By City Times staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Lincoln High School senior Matthew Schooley will play for Northern Illinois University football team, as a preferred walk-on.

“I was up there for a game day a few months ago and the whole atmosphere there. The program is what they are kind of known for, and their facilities are really nice too,” Schooley said, as he signed his letter of intent on Dec. 20 in Performing Arts Center Lobby at Lincoln High School.

Schooley said that he sees himself playing center or guard for the team, which is one of about 15 schools in Division 1 and 2 he looked at while choosing which one he would pursue.

“(Schooley is an) outstanding player,” said Tony Biolo, Lincoln football and track & field coach. “He has started every game since his freshman year, which is an accomplishment by itself, especially for football. (He’s) never been injured and never had to sit out of a start; that’s impressive.

“And it shows. His hard work and effort has paid off – weight room time, multisport athlete, which is critical, key for us.”

A preferred walk-on is a player that the coach wants on the team, but does not receive financial assistance.