- Posted in All University
- Category: AthleticsCampus News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa - Former Lincoln University football player Ivan Mertilus (Revere, Mass./St. Clement) competed recently in the prestigious 2021 Hula Bowl Classic.
"It was a blessed, once in a lifetime experience, to get to play football in Hawaii," said Mertilus. "I am receiving positive feedback (about my performance) and people are realizing how hard I am working."
After a stellar performance in the Tropical Bowl against mainly FCS competition, the tenacious defensive back earned the invitation to the Hula Bowl. He registered seven tackles and two pass breakups in the early January Tropical Bowl.
Mertilus, playing for NFL Hall of Famer Mike Singletary for Team Aina, registered a couple of tackles during Hula Bowl.
"Ivan Mertilus (Revere, Mass./St. Clement) is a talented, hard-working, driven young man that has a world of potential," said Lincoln University head coach Josh Dean. "We are excited to see him have the opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a professional athlete. He is a great example of the type of football player we are developing here at Lincoln University."
Players are invited by the Hula Bowl Selection Committee based on their potential to play professional football.
After two seasons at Los Angeles Valley College, Mertilus registered 14 tackles in three games in the 2019 season. The 2020 season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
