Wyomissing grad Max Hurleman enjoys return to West Point for ‘homecoming’
Max Hurleman enjoyed his “homecoming” at West Point last month even though his Colgate football team lost to Army.
The Raiders running back got to visit with his former Wyomissing coaches and a couple formers Spartans before and after the 42-17 loss to the Black Knights; he also got a real feel for academy football.
“It was cool to have them all there,” Hurleman said of Spartans head coach Bob Wolfrum and assistant coaches Tom Baldwin and Steve O’Neil, “it was an awesome experience.”
He got to speak with former Wyomissing lineman Ross Tucker, who calls Black Knights home games on television for CBS Sports Network, and with Spartans teammate Jack Feightner, a cadet at West Point.
“It was like a reunion,” Hurleman said.
The 6-foot, 200-pound junior is having a strong season for Colgate, which is 3-5 with three games left and still in the running to share the Patriot League title.
He is splitting the tailback spot with Jaedon Henry and has rushed for 341 yards and averaging 4.7 yards per carry. He’s third on the team with 15 receptions and is in the backfield for most third-down plays.
“I’m more inclined to be the guy out there (in passing situations), which is fun,” he said. “I definitely like that part of the game. My versatility is something that really helps me get on the field. Anything I can do to help the team, I love doing that: Catching, blocking, passing, whatever. I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”
Colgate coach Stan Dakosky saw right away what Hurleman could bring to his program. After last season Dakosky extended a full athletic scholarship to Hurleman, who came to Colgate on a partial.
“Once you’re playing significant snaps, that’s the green light for them to go ahead (and make it a full scholarship),” Hurleman said. “After last season, they said we’re gonna move you up to full. It’s super-awesome. I’m very thankful for that to happen to me and my family. I thank Colgate for every opportunity that they’ve given me.”
Hurleman is the Raiders’ primary punt returner and is averaging 9.2 yards per return. He likes the challenge of fielding punts.
“It’s definitely a tough job to be back there, with people running at you,” Hurleman said. “You have to be smart and understand what punts (to) catch, what am I fair-catching, what am I gonna let go. It’s not an easy job.
“I enjoy it, especially a pressure situation. It’s another chance to make a play and make a big spark for the team. I love being in that position and having the ability to do that, and I think my team trusts me, that’s why I’m back there.”
As a senior at Wyomissing Hurleman scored 20 touchdowns, ran for 1,238 yards, picked off two passes, made 70 tackles and starred on special teams. He earned All-State honors and led the Spartans to a 12-1 record, their first District 3 championship in five years and to the PIAA Tournament.
He was a senior when Wyomissing’s current seniors — Drew Eisenhower, Matt Kramer, Ian Levering and Ben Zechman — were freshmen on the varsity squad. He made an impact on them, and the program, that exists to this day.
Hurleman and the Spartans visited West Point for summer 7-on-7 competitions. He was happy to return and soak in the rich tradition of the Black Knights. Following every game, the Army football team walks to the stands and sings the alma mater with the Cadets.
Dakosky wanted his players to be part of that.
“Coach Dakosky said when they (sing) we’re gonna have their backs,” Hurleman said. “We all stood behind them and paid our dues and respect to them as they sang their alma mater. It was a surreal experience, for sure.
“It gives you a whole perspective of: Yeah we’re playing these guys in a game but at the end of the day they have our backs (defending the country) and we’re gonna have theirs.”