EXETER – Brian Miles and Dylan Kostak formed a potent combination at running back early in the 2016 season at Wyoming Area.

They will remain together as teammates after each announced a commitment to attend and play football at Wilkes University.

Miles, the leading rusher on the Wyoming Valley Conference Class 4A Division champions, expects to concentrate on offense as a running back in college.

Kostak, who also played fullback before missing the last two-thirds of his senior season to knee surgery, is likely to be used at linebacker.

Related Video

“This is something I’ve always wanted ever since I started playing mini football,” said Miles, who began playing as a 7-year-old on the C team level.

Miles said a successful senior season, in which he rushed for more than 1,000 yards on a championship team, opened up additional opportunities. He chose Wilkes after also visiting King’s, Misericordia and Christopher Newport in Virginia.

“I liked the campus,” said Miles, who plans to study sports management. “It was a family feeling throughout the whole visit.

“The coaches were very nice; I liked the program, very good academics. It just feels like the right fit.”

Kostak has been working his way back from knee surgery to get on the field with the lacrosse team where he is serving as captain for the second straight year. He has been practicing with some restrictions while waiting for clearance to join game action.

Although his senior season was shortened, Kostak made such an impact in the games he played, including leading an upset win at Berwick, that he received all-star recognition from coaches.

“It felt like it was something I could have earned if it had the whole season, but I felt honored to be able to receive that,” he said.

Kostak will concentrate on defense in college but he said he enjoyed becoming part of the running game as a senior after serving strictly as a blocking back previously. He scored the two fourth-quarter touchdowns that lifted the Warriors over the Bulldogs, 34-20.

Running back Brian Miles announced his commitment to play football at Wilkes University during a signing ceremony at Wyoming Area High School March 31. From left, seated, are Brian Miles Sr., father; Brian Miles Jr.; Bonnie Miles. Standing, Wyoming Area head coach Randy Spencer; assistant coach Tom Loftus; principal Dr. Jon Pollard; athletic director Joe Pizano.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Miles.jpg.optimal.jpgRunning back Brian Miles announced his commitment to play football at Wilkes University during a signing ceremony at Wyoming Area High School March 31. From left, seated, are Brian Miles Sr., father; Brian Miles Jr.; Bonnie Miles. Standing, Wyoming Area head coach Randy Spencer; assistant coach Tom Loftus; principal Dr. Jon Pollard; athletic director Joe Pizano.

Wyoming Area linebacker Dylan Kostak announced his commitment to play football at Wilkes University during a signing ceremony at the high school March 31. From left, seated, are Paul Hager, father; Kostak; Sandy Hager, mother. Standing, Wyoming Area head coach Randy Spencer; assistant coach Tom Loftus; principal Dr. Jon Pollard; athletic director Joe Pizano.
http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Kostak.jpg.optimal.jpgWyoming Area linebacker Dylan Kostak announced his commitment to play football at Wilkes University during a signing ceremony at the high school March 31. From left, seated, are Paul Hager, father; Kostak; Sandy Hager, mother. Standing, Wyoming Area head coach Randy Spencer; assistant coach Tom Loftus; principal Dr. Jon Pollard; athletic director Joe Pizano.

by Tom Robinson

For Sunday Dispatch

Reach the Sunday Dispatch newsroom at 570-655-1418 or by email at sd@s24530.p831.sites.pressdns.com.