Cougar Standout Sattinger Chooses Philly School

AJ Sattinger, a physical tight end on the top-ranked Countryside Cougar football team, has accepted a scholarship offer from Temple University, he announced recently.

The senior said he chose Temple over a number of other schools after making a trip to the Philadelphia university, where he immediately felt comfortable with the coaches and the campus. 

Sattinger took a break from practice, and answered some questions on why he chose Temple, what he thinks about this year’s Countryside team, and how he feels about his hometown. 

You had offers from other schools. What made you choose Temple?

From Day 1 they’ve been interested in me. I went up there for a camp ... came back with an offer, and I got a phone call from the head coach about two days ago. He gave me a certain amount of time, about two months, to talk it over with my family and my coaches. I made my decision the next day. 

I wanted to make my decision so I can concentrate on my senior season. I’m comfortable with it. 

How do you feel about leaving the Sunshine State for chilly Philly?

I’m going to do something I love, to play football, so I’m sure I can adapt. My dad went to Southern Illinois, and he’s from Safety Harbor, so if he can do it, I can do it. 

You haven’t lost a regular season game in three years. How do you feel about being a part of such a successful program?

I started as a freshman at tight end, and ever since then we’ve been undefeated, and made the playoffs both years. So it’s just a great feeling be a part of a team like that. 

The thing about this team is that a lot of us have been playing since Junior Cougars together. We’ve all grown up together, gone though high school, and now we’re seniors, so it’s pretty cool. Hopefully it’s a big season and we win a state championship. That’s our goal. 

How does it feel to be one of the most popular athletes in Safety Harbor?

I love Safety Harbor. I grew up there, my dad (Tim) works ... at the Rec Center. My brother (Matthew) plays for the Junior Cougars. I walk around town and everybody asks how college recruiting is going. Now I can tell them I made my decision.