HARRIS, SCHIELE SIGN TO PLAY COLLEGE BALL
May 14, 2009 Northwest Montana A Conference
Harris signs to play college ball
Posted: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 02:34:05 pm PDT
By Mike Cast
RONAN - Ronan senior Nolan Harris has signed an NAIA letter of intent to play basketball at the University of Montana Western in Dillon. It has been a dream to play college ball for the 6-foot-4-inch guard. Harris accepted a small athletic scholarship.
"It's what I've been working for. I wasn't sure where, I just got lucky and got to go to Western," Harris said.
Harris, who plans to study Biology and possibly go pre-med, chose Western over other schools because the course schedule was a better fit for him, he said.
Western requires students to take only one class at a time for 18 days, which appealed to Harris.
Harris plans to redshirt next year and try to work his way into the lineup as school progresses.
"It might be a bit slow for a while but that will just make it better when I'm on the court," he said.
Harris had a chance to play on that court with the team when he went down to visit a few weeks back. The standout memory was being swatted by a big center as he went up for a layup, as if to say "Welcome to college basketball, Nolan."
"I felt pretty foolish because he sent it pretty hard off the back board," Harris said.
Still coming of an outstanding senior year and competing well in a couple of all-star tournaments, Harris said he is looking forward to the next step.
"I'm really excited. It's a lot of weight off my shoulders figuring out where I'm going to go. But it's going to suck being a freshman again," Harris said.
In addition to basketball, Harris participated in golf, show choir, big brothers/big sisters, and football at Ronan.
His senior year of basketball, Harris earned an average of 12 points per game, five rebounds per game, three assists, two steals, 52 percent at the free throw line and 39 percent of his field goals. Harris lettered four times in basketball, won all conference honors three times and was named offensive MVP, according to a press release from UM Western.
In high school, Harris was in the National Honor Society, a Wendy's High School Heisman State Finalist, and was an academic all-state student seven times. He maintained a 3.68 grade point average.
"We are excited that Nolan has chosen Montana Western," UM Western coach Steve Keller said, "Nolan has lots of potential and we are looking forward to watching his development as a student and player."
Ronans Schiele commits to Dickinson State
Posted: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 02:34:05 pm PDT
By Mike Cast
RONAN - Ronan senior Marcus Schiele won't be finishing his football and wrestling careers as a Chief. His next time on the field and mats will be at NAIA Division II Dickinson State University in Dickinson, ND, where he will be attending school on an athletic scholarship. After considering Dillon and MSU as options, Schiele said Dickinson gave him an opportunity he couldn't refuse - a three-quarter scholarship and the chance to play both of his favorite sports.
"It's a relief for sure to know I have things worked out and will be playing football at the next level," Schiele said. "Then I got the chance to wrestle. I had to take them up on that offer. It's two things that I love."
Born and raised in Ronan, Schiele said moving away from his hometown to pursue his love of the game and an education in marketing and sales will be an exciting new endeavor.
"I've never lived anywhere else so it'll kind of wake me up a bit."
Making Dickinson feel a little more at home will be the company of Mike Fisher, Ronan senior quarterback and Schiele's longtime pal, who also accepted an invitation to play ball at Dickinson.
"It will sure make things a lot easier I would think, especially on the field to have someone to click with. You know how they work and know what their views are already," Schiele said.
Schiele's success in sports began with his family. Competing for Ronan was a privilege that required a lot of perseverance.
"They've been behind me the whole time, especially when I wanted to quit. They've made me so I'm not one to quit when I got something started, especially in the wrestling room. I wouldn't have captured my divisional title and placed fourth at state this year if it wasn't for them," Schiele said.
The support of his teammates was a factor, and it was the Ronan coaching staff which pushed him over the edge.
"The coaches were a big help. They're there pushing you all the time trying to make you the best you can be. You have to have tough coaches to have tough athletes," Schiele said.
One tough athlete in his own right, Schiele made the switch from running back to lineman in high school and said Dickinson coaches have talked about letting him resume his role carrying the ball as a fullback or using him as a middle linebacker.
The program showed the most interest out of any of the schools who contacted him, which is just fine with Schiele - the team won their conference the last two years.
"They have a pretty standout program," he said. |
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