Marion pair excited for college opportunities

Marion High School graduates Ethan Scheef and Isaiah Gueths are ready to take their athletic talent to the college level.

Scheef is set to play football for Lakeland University, while Gueths golfs for Northland College.

Scheef said his recruitment process was a lengthy one.

“I had to work my butt off being that I was at such a small school. I honestly have to thank my coaches and my parents for helping with that process,” said Scheef.

“I just remember sitting down for hours sending my film off to at least 50 colleges and sending long emails to each one of them. Lakeland was the school that made me feel at home. Coach (Colin) Bruton has made me feel like I belong there — he took me in the moment I got there and it just felt right. I love it there, it’s a beautiful place and I have yet to meet someone I don’t like.”

Gueths’ recruitment process wasn’t as complex, but it was still time-consuming process.

“It started sometime in winter, one afternoon I got a text from the Northland golf coach. My mom wanted to make sure it was legit and told me to ask my high school golf coach. He confirmed it was legit. Then we kept texting until I met him up at the campus.”

Along with football, Scheef played basketball and baseball for the Mustangs. His passion was always football, so that’s the sport he wanted to keep playing.

He expects to play quarterback at Lakeland and has already been introduced to a majority of the team.

“So far I’ve met my coaches and the senior QB as well as some other football players they are all great people,” said Scheef. “I know that I won’t be a starter right out of the gate, but I’m there to work my butt off and I want to take over the starting job.”

While becoming a college starter is Scheef’s next goal, his long-term goal is even bigger.

“My biggest goal is to make it to the big leagues — sounds like a long shot from a small town kid but I’m there to work harder than anyone else,” said Scheef, who made the Central Wisconsin Conference 8-player second team as a quarterback and linebacker as a senior. “I’m excited to get to college and play at the next level.”

Academics played a role in Gueths’ decision to attend Northland College, as the school had his degree. Being able to continue playing golf at a college close enough for his family to keep watching him was another bonus.

“I am honored to continue playing golf at the next level,” said Gueths. “I am excited to keep improving my golf game and to be a part of Northland’s golf program.”

Gueths already has an idea what to expect for the coming season, as the coach sent him a practice plan.

Gueths was the Mustangs’ top golfer in CWC action this past spring. He came in 18th in the conference, capping a memorable senior season.

“Senior year was filled with fun practices with my teammates, coaches, and the staff at Glen Cairn Golf Course,” said Gueths, who also mentioned late night golfing with teammates as another moment he wouldn’t forget.

sports@newmedia-wi.com