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.