Two years ago, as a senior at Voorheesville High School, Frank Catellier found himself searching—like most high school graduates—for the perfect college fit.
And he found it, just 20 minutes away in Troy.
“The football program is great, but it’s a great school too,” Catellier said. “Coming here was really a win-win situation.”
Catellier, just a sophomore, faces the daunting task of replacing legendary RPI quarterback Dan Cole for the Engineers this season.
But then again, that is exactly how he planned it.
“That’s why I came here.” Catellier said. “I knew Dan would be a senior and I would have a chance to play.”
And while most Rensselaer football fans might think there is no comparison between Cole and Catellier, other than the fact that their last names start with “C,” the similarities are striking.
On the field, both have a solid blend of mobility and arm strength; but perhaps their biggest likeness is their personality.
“[Cole] is the hardest worker I’ve ever seen and that’s what I strive to be,” Catellier said. “Dan was a real shy kid, a real quiet kid. I’m like that too.” These are words RPI Head coach Joe King, who agreed with his young quarterback’s comparison, is certainly glad to hear.
“Personality wise, they’re a lot alike,” King said. “Danny was not a real outspoken guy; he just had a tremendous work ethic… Frank has a lot of the same qualities. He is hard-working and gained the respect of teammates.”
Their character, along with Catellier’s admiration for “the best quarterback in RPI history,” allowed Frank to become the senior’s understudy in their one year together.
“He taught me reads and how to conduct yourself on the practice field,” Catellier said. “He showed me how to handle yourself on and off the field, in the classroom, and when we were watching film, he pointed out things a team might do in situations. Dan was really good in pressure situations.”
Catellier seems to have absorbed some of Cole’s swagger in the clutch.
And as he prepares to lead the nationally ranked Engineers into battle against Endicott College this Saturday, he surprisingly lacks any nerves. Instead he is relishing the opportunity to make this his team for the next three years.
“I could see why people looking in from the outside would get that impression [that I might be nervous],” Catellier said. “But the coaching staff hasn’t put that pressure on me. They just want me to go out there and play, and stay within the offense.”
“[It is] kind of exciting. It is kind of how I wanted things to work. I knew after Dan left the position was open that’s why I was interested in RPI. The next three years are going to be fun.”
Of course Catellier will still, for the first time, have to deal with the demands placed on a starting quarterback—demands that are already starting to take their toll.
Catellier has 8 am classes every day except Wednesday. Unlike most RPI students, he prefers this schedule, as it gives him some time to rest before two hour film sessions and two hour practices that often stretch late into the evening.
“It is tough at times, but I’m starting to get used to it,” Catellier said. “By the time you eat and shower it is already 8:30 and there’s a big rush to go hit the books. I just have to stay in the groove.”
And with four freshman quarterbacks all hoping to oust Catellier from the starting job, the upperclassman can ill afford to stumble.
Chad Wysocki, out of Hoosick Falls, N.Y, currently has secured the No. 2 spot over classmates Chris Graef (Bethel, CT) and local Troy product Josh Chiappone.
However, Catellier has the confidence of his teammates, and most importantly the coaching staff.
“[Frank] is doing a tremendous job,” new offensive coordinator Chad Martinovich said. “Chad Wysocki is also progressing nicely. Right now Frank and Chad are the top two and they are battling for the starting job.
“Frank has a leg up right now with his experience with this offense and the speed of the college game. It is always tough as a freshman to step in and handle things when the bullets are flying.”
Catellier doesn’t have a great deal of collegiate experience either. He made only a handful of apperances last season, all of which came when the game’s outcome was decided.
And Martinovich and King are aware of this fact.
While it would be unfair of the coaching staff to expect Cole-like numbers from Catellier, they both made a point of stressing the position is still up for grabs, especially if Catellier fails to produce in the first half of the season.
Nevertheless, the ball and the team is Catellier’s, and what he does with it in the next few weeks could determine his future as well as the Engineers’ for the next three seasons.
