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HARTINGTON — Even though Riley Sudbeck’s high school football career is over, he still wants to keep playing.
Sudbeck, a four-year starter at quarterback on the Wildcat varsity football team, signed a letter of intent last week to play college football at one of the top NAIA football programs in the country — Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.
The Northwestern College football team lost 31-21 last December in the NAIA national championship game in Durham, N.C.
Top-ranked Northwestern was making its third championshipgame appearance in the last four seasons.
The Red Raiders finished the 2023 season at 14-1 under eighthyear head coach Matt McCarty.
Sudbeck said that kind of success is what drew him to the Orange City college.
“Northwestern has a successful program with great coaches and players and that’s one of the reasons that drew me to them,” he said. “They have a campus with many opportunities. I know I will become not only a better athlete but also a better person while attending Northwestern.”
Sudbeck was one of 48 high school seniors to commit to the Northwestern program this month.
This year’s signing class includes 21 offensive players, 25 defensive players, and two kickers.
“We have another outstanding group of young men joining the Raider football family,” Mc-Carty said. “These young men have excelled in the classroom, in the community and on the field. We believe they have what it takes to help us continue to compete at a championship level. We look forward to the impact they will have on our program as they build on the legacy of excellence from the groups before them.”
Sudbeck said he’s not sure where the coaches plan on putting him, but he just wants to be able to help the team.
“I plan on playing where they need me, either as a quarterback on offense or where needed on defense,” he said.
Sudbeck said he will be working hard in the off-season in an effort to be able to contribute right away.
“I hope to make an impact right away for the team. I know I will need to work hard because the talent runs deep at Northwestern,” Sudbeck said. “I will be starting my preseason workouts soon and will be able to do them at home over the summer while making trips to Northwestern to do workouts with teammates.”
Sudbeck said he is appreciative for all the help and support he has received during his high school athletic career.
“I’ve been lucky to have great teammates, coaches, teachers and fans at Hartington-Newcastle,” he said. “They have all pushed me to set high goals and work hard to reach them.”
Sudbeck is hoping the next stop in his football career will be just as rewarding.
“I’m excited to train with these talented players and coaches.”
