[Hodge]

The best of luck to Bryan. I know he'll be a great kicker.

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'Stunned'
By B.J. LISKO

Salem News sports editor


When you were in high school and an announcement came over the PA system asking you to come to the principal's office, what thoughts ran through your head? Probably something along the lines of, did I do something wrong? Did someone accuse me of cheating? Was I late to too many classes? Is Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr calling to offer me a full athletic scholarship?

Well, probably not that last one - but for Salem senior Bryan Wright, on Tuesday around noon, that was exactly the case.


"I was stunned first of all," Wright said.
Talking to him on the phone I could tell he was smiling and I didn't even have to see him.


It's a big deal. Perhaps the biggest of deals for a high school athlete. A full-ride from a Division I school to play a sport you love.


"I went into coach Phillips' office and Carr asked me how I was doing," Wright said. Then he asked me 'Would you take a full ride scholarship if we offered it to you?" It didn't take Wright long to answer.

"Yes."


And with that the Salem area Ohio State Buckeye nation let out a hideous groan. Or so one might've thought. Wright said that even though most area football fanatics are fans of the Jim Tressel led Buckeyes, he hasn't really been razzed by any OSU fans about his decision.


"It's actually not as bad as I thought it would be," Wright said.
"People have been really supportive and have just been congratulating me which I really appreciate"


For an 18-year old, it's certainly a lot to handle, and with the great news Wright is as they say, on cloud nine. "I'm still stunned," Wright said. "It hasn't really sunk in yet. I just can't picture myself kicking in front of 100,000 people. I..." Wright suddenly stopped and laughed. Stunned would be one way to describe it. Elated would be another.


"Coach Carr said you can't go wrong with the University of Michigan," Wright said. "He said, 'No matter what, we'll treat you like family, and now you're family.'"


As Salem head football coach Doug Phillips said, "It's a dream come true for a family and a son."


Not only is it a dream come true for the Wright family, but it's a good bet it will be for the Michigan family as well.