Former Allentown star finding success in CFL
Patience and perseverance are paying dividends for Ross Scheuerman.
The former Allentown High star is preparing for the start of his second season with the Canadian Football League’s Hamilton TigerCats, who open their campaign at 4 p.m. Sunday in Toronto. Scheuerman enters the year as the team’s backup running back behind C.J. Gable, who was a CFL East Division All-Star in 2016.
Last year Scheuerman appeared in three games for the Ticats; two on special teams before getting to start for an injured Gable against Montreal on Sept. 16. Scheuerman made the most of the opportunity, rushing for 79 yards on 16 carries and catching five passes for 40 yards.
Unfortunately for Scheuerman, he suffered a broken wrist and missed the remainder of the season.
“It felt great to have that bit of success,” the 24-year-old Scheuerman said. “The timing of (the injury) hurt a little bit after having that success, but it gave me some fuel for the offseason.
“I feel great this year. My body is healthy; I feel fast and strong. Everything is going well.”
Scheuerman was a Colonial Valley Conference All-Star and recordholder at Allentown, where over his final two seasons he totaled nearly 3,500 yards rushing and 48 touchdowns. He also was a standout wrestler for the Redbirds, becoming a two-time state medalist and the program’s first 100-match winner. He ended his career with a 117-17 record.
He continued his football career at Lafayette, where he was a four-time All-Patriot League selection at tailback. He finished with 3,504 rushing yards, good for third in school history, and 31 rushing touchdowns, good for fourth. He also caught 129 passes for 1,129 yards and eight TDs.
In his final college game, Scheuerman ran for a Patriot League-record 304 yards and three touchdowns in a 27-7 win over archrival Lehigh before a crowd of 48,256 at Yankee Stadium.
Scheuerman signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in May 2015, but an Achilles injury during training camp led to his release in August. Three months later, he was signed to the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad. He became a free agent at the conclusion of the season and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. After being released by the Eagles, Scheuerman inked with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“It’s been a lot of highs and a lot of lows; ultimate highs and ultimate lows,” Scheuerman said. “You’ve just got to stay positive, which is easier said than done. But I think I ended up in a great spot here in Hamilton and I’m excited for the future. I love it up here. I’ve met some great guys, lifelong friends. The fans are great and love the team.
“I think patience is the No. 1 thing I’ve learned. Just being patient and trusting my ability and knowing I belong and can compete at a high level. It’s been a journey for me.”
Scheuerman’s journey might have taken an additional path if he were not allergic to horses. His family has enjoyed success in harness racing and Scheuerman still enjoys the action, even if he is only a spectator.
“I love going and watching the races and watching my family compete,” said Scheuerman, whose family includes stakes-winning trainers Del Cote, Sam DePinto and Patrick Lachance. “It’s awesome. They’ve had some good ones. It’s been fun watching them do well.”
Scheuerman, who majored in economics at Lafayette, spent part of the past offseason doing an internship with media agency VaynerMedia in New York City before transitioning to fulltime training. The Tiger-Cats had two preseason games earlier this month and Scheuerman scored a touchdown in each.
“The first goal is always to make the team,” Scheuerman said. “Honestly, I just wanted to be in the best shape possible and be at my best to help this team reach our ultimate goal, which is the Grey Cup. Whatever way I can do that. It’s more of a pass-happy league so it definitely caters to my game. My game has elevated the past three years that I’ve been out of school and I feel like I’m in a good spot right now.”