Warwick's Hrinya accepts full ride to Syracuse

Warwick - On Feb. 1, Warwick Valley High School’s Derek Hrinya signed a national letter of intent to attend Syracuse University and play football for Coach Greg Robinson and the Syracuse Orangemen. Hrinya chose Syracuse over two Big East schools Rutgers and the University of Connecticut as well as Division 1 AA power New Hampshire. He is the son of Elizabeth and Darrin Hrinya of Warwick, who are both Warwick Valley High School graduates. The senior will leave Warwick in June with more than 2,400 yards of total offense (rushing, receiving, punt and kick-off returns) over his career. He also set the school record his senior year by averaging nearly nine yards per carry from the line of scrimmage. His high school football resume include his selection to the Section IX Coaches All Star Team in 2005, All League Selection in both 2004 and 2005 and the Times Herald-Record All-Star list. In exchange for playing football, his 2006 scholarship includes full tuition ($26,000), room and board (estimated at $13,000) and books, fees and travel (estimated at $1,600), totaling over $41,000. The scholarship extends over a five-year period, renewable every year through graduation and adjust annually for inflation. Syracuse expects Derek to compete for a job in the secondary right away. Hrinya was recruited by SU running backs coach Desmond Robinson, who is responsible for the area. Head Football Coach Greg Robinson has since indicated that Hrinya’s size and speed as well as his ability to close on the football and turn the corner will enable him to compete for a spot in the defensive secondary right away. The staff at Syracuse also has indicated that they was very impressed by the young man’ maturity and the direction and support from his parents and teachers. Gregory Sirico is the football coach at Warwick Valley High School.