WXOU Sports: Oakland University

                                          Yearego Ready to Return and Dominate
By: Corey Hagood

        After his first season at Oakland University defenseman Anthony Yearego learned an obvious but valuable lesson “The game
is not over ‘til the last horn.” Yearego said. Especially at Oakland where in the past few seasons the Grizzlies have experienced
multiple late game heroics.

       After his first season in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Yearego now has a feel for the level of talent the
competition brings to the ice every night. “It’s not a tough league and depending on the team, some teams are way more skilled
then others, but always have to give 100%” he stated. Giving your all at all times is important as the Grizzlies found out the hard
way with key loses against Adrian and UM-Dearborn, teams OU expects to defeat to be in the ACHA elite.

       Grizzlies assistant coach J.R. Dunn, who runs the team’s defenders has been influential on Yearego as he develops his
game. “J.R. (is) basically just teaching me how he wants it done. Every coach has a different style and to play your best you have
to fit into the style.” Yearego acknowledged.

       Yearego suffered a season ending ankle injury in a late season game against Adrian. “The injury against Adrian is doing well.
I have been working very hard to getting it back to where it was. (I) have skated a few times already and it has been a little sore.”
He said. While the injury is progressing, Yearego has not been able work out and condition himself the way he would like, but he is
gearing up as the team’s summer camp quickly is approaching. “The off-season workouts really haven’t helped much to me yet. I
have not been able to work out because of my ankle. I do work out (my) upper body but am not in condition.” He added.
With the injury and the increased talent level that comes to Oakland every season Yearego realizes the prospect and tryout camps
are especially important as he still has to make an impression on the Oakland coaching staff. “I need to be stronger and show
them that the injury is no more and I’m ready to go.”

       The Grizzlies returning defenders appear to be stacked, especially with a season under the belts of Yearego, Colin Ronayne,
Dennis Capa and Todd Orlando. “Were fine on defense I’m not worried you got 3 absolutely sick players back there and I’m not
worried.” Yearego stated.

       Yearego has high expectations for Oakland and expects them to be among the best in the ACHA next season. The taste of
losing in the first round in the ACHA DI National tournament will be fresh on his mind as he takes the ice each time this season. “I
expected a win and was not able to get it. But this year will be different.” He added

       OU will get an early test of where it stands in the ACHA elite with six of the Grizzlies first seven games on the road, traveling
to The University of Illinois to face the defending champions and Liberty University in back-to-back weekends in early October.
Illinois last loss was on March 3, 2007 at the ACHA DI National Tournament, where Oakland would eliminate Illinois with a 3-2
victory.