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GLOVERSVILLE — Last fall, Kyle Robare and Hunter Strauser were key contributors for the Gloversville football team.
So it was only fitting that the seniors signed their letters of intent to play football in college together during a ceremony at Gloversville High School on Wednesday.
Kyle Robare will play for Utica University, while Strauser will play at Buffalo State College.
“I’ve always wanted to go on and play football and college,” Robare said. “I’m excited for the opportunity.”
The pair were surrounded by family and friends as they made their decisions official.
“It’s exciting,” Strauser said. “It’s great that so many people came out to support us tonight.”
The pair was part of a Gloversville team that went a combined 13-7 over the last two seasons. The Huskies reached the Section II Class B championship game in 2021, going 7-4, and the Class B semifinals in 2022, finishing the season with a 6-3 record. Gloversville lost to Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk in both contests.
“I’ve been around this group for a while. It’s a special group and I came through at the right time,” said Gloversville football coach and Kyle’s father Jim Robare. “This group of kids believed in each other and worked hard to do what they wanted to. They just went out and played their game. It was a dedicated group.”
Robare was a first-team Section II Class B all-star at running back, linebacker and punter this season, while Strauser was a second-team Class B all-star at linebacker this season.
Kyle Robare had 560 yards and nine rushing touchdowns this season on 127 carries. On defense, he had 54 tackles, 24 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss and a sack.
Strauser had 31 tackles, 15 solo tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception for the Huskies.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to be Kyle’s coach for as long as I have been,” coach Robare said. “It was really special to be his coach. He’s a great kid, and I’ve never had any issues with him.”
Strauser said that he liked what he saw when he visited Buffalo State.
“I liked the school. It’s a bigger campus and there’s a lot to do in Buffalo,” he said. “I’m hoping to get the chance to play as a freshman. I want to keep getting better as a player and a person.”
Coach Robare said that he’s expecting Strauser to be successful.
“Hunter is going to do well,” he said. “He did a lot of good things for us. I wish him and his family the best of luck. His father was my Little league catcher, so we’ve known each other a long time.”
Kyle Robare said that he felt Utica was where he wanted to go after his visit.
“I liked the campus and coaches. There was an amazing energy there that told me that it was where I wanted to go,” he said. “My goal as a freshman is to make the travel squad.
After sending John Heimer (Alfred State) and Gio Glionna (Brockport) after the 2021-22 season to the collegiate level, Gloversville is continuing the trend this year.
“Kids are starting to see what’s possible if you put the work in and that’s great for our program,” coach Robare said. “Seeing kids they’ve played with go on to play in college lets them know they can play at the next level.”
