Alec Austin ’19
Michael Zeng ’19
The Boys Athlete of the Month for September is DeeWil Barlee ‘19. A Villanova University commit, Barlee is a tri-captain along with Jack Purcell ‘19 and Ryan Rockenback ‘19. By playing both sides of the field as a running back and small safety, Barlee’s defensive stops and touchdowns have made him one of the top football player in the area. “One of the main things that makes DeeWil so great is the little things that he does,” says CJ Yespelkis, coach of the varsity football team. “He sets an excellent example for his peers on the practice field, in the meeting rooms, and in the hallways during school,” Yespelkis continues.
Barlee’s leadership helps lift the team and affects the players around him. Fellow tri-captain Jack Bush ‘19, says, “DeeWil is a great teammate and an even better leader. He is very vocal but always leads through example.” Another one of his teammates, Carter Strid ‘19, says, “He always motivates us to do better and gets the best out of us. Last week he was injured and he still made a very positive impact on the team in preparation for our game against the Hill School by coaching us up and doing whatever he could to help all week.”
DeeWil has always had a focused work ethic, starting football at the age of seven and improving ever since. This passion has continued and resulted in high expectations for this year, especially after winning EA Haverford day last year. DeeWil says that the team’s goal this year is to win the Inter-Ac league through “grit and determination.” As of right now, they are on a good start, after a big come from behind win 27-21 win against the Hill School. All his teammates and his coaches hope to win the league and EA Haverford day as well.
Barlee’s coaches expect nothing less of him even with an injury now. In the game against The Avalon School, Barlee was blocking downfield and a teammate was tackled onto his ankle, resulting in an ankle injury. He In fact, they know that even with an injury, DeeWil will still continue to contribute to the team. Coach Yespelkis says, “When he is not playing or not involved in a drill, it’s like having an extra coach there to help improve everyone on the team.” The Episcopal Academy football team is lucky to have such a great player and person on their team. The team has great respect for DeeWil and they also put great responsibility on him, knowing that he is the person that won’t let them down. Without DeeWil Barlee, the Episcopal Academy football team would be lacking a huge aspect of their identity.