Rochelle senior intending to study physical education

ROCHELLE — David Gerber was grateful that his friends convinced him to return to the Rochelle Hub football program for his senior season. After spending one year away from the team to focus on basketball, Gerber started at wide receiver and cornerback for the Hubs this fall, helping Rochelle to a 9-3 season as well as a berth in the IHSA 4A Playoff Quarterfinals.

With a renewed passion for the sport, Gerber recently committed to continuing his academics and his football career at Monmouth College next year. Gerber, who intends to study physical education in hopes of pursuing a career as an athletic director, will reunite with senior teammate and close friend Trey Taft, who committed to Monmouth College earlier this year. Taft was one of two senior teammates who helped convince Gerber to return to the gridiron this year.

“They have a really solid education program and I bonded with their coaching staff right away,” Gerber said. “I felt really comfortable with them and I know I can trust them. I enjoyed being on campus and talking with the coaches and players. I’m looking forward to playing with one of my best friends, Trey, and I’m looking forward to having fun and trying to win football games.”

Gerber received an All-Conference Honorable Mention in the Interstate 8 this season, finishing with seven receptions for 176 yards and two touchdowns while adding 16 tackles on defense. A multi-sport athlete at RTHS, Gerber spent four years with the basketball program in addition to his three years with the football program. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder will look to make a difference for the Monmouth College offense with his one-on-one pass catching abilities.

“I think Monmouth will be getting a deep-ball playmaker who can take advantage of one-on-one plays and make the most of his opportunities,” Gerber said. “Playing football at Rochelle set the standard for me, not only as an athlete but as a man. It’s really prepared me for the next level of football and the next level of my life, which includes getting a good education… I’ve always loved sports and I think that being around sports is something I’ll enjoy for the rest of my life.”

Gerber spent two years with the Rochelle Hub varsity basketball team and one year with the Rochelle Hub varsity football team. After Rochelle’s successful football season last fall, where the Hubs went 8-3 and reached the second round of the IHSA 5A Playoffs, Gerber was convinced to return for his senior season. While Gerber said he regretted not playing as a junior, he said he was grateful for the chance to help the team make another postseason run.

“The brotherhood we had was amazing,” Gerber said. “We treated each other like brothers and everybody got along with each other. We always stuck up for each other and we all knew that we could trust each other, especially late in games when we needed to get things done.”