While, in the back of our minds, we always knew these visits meant that Chandler would leave home for college one day, it’s hard to believe that the reality is already upon us.
After six months of visiting college campuses across the country and receiving offers from University of Illinois, Stanford, University of Arizona and Iowa State, we are excited to announce that Chandler has decided to commit to the University of Illinois! He looks forward to playing for Coach Ron Zook, and being a part of the FIGHTING ILLINI!
As a family, we are humbled to know that our son has been given this amazing opportunity. This is a decision we did not take lightly. We are thrilled that Chandler will be a part of the University of Illinois family, and we trust that his coaches and teammates will provide him with a strong support system while he’s away from home.
We are grateful to all of the amazing sports professionals who have inspired Chandler to do his best, and who spent countless hours contributing to his development:
Coach John Belskis, Head Coach Downers Grove South High School, Downers Grove, Illinois
Coach Robert Wiener, Head Coach Plant High School, Tampa, Florida
Coach Ron Veal, Quarterback Coach, Atlanta, Georgia
Coach Ryan Healy, Quarterback Coach, Chicago, Illinois
Elias Karras, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Chicago Illinois
For their unconditional love and support, we thank our dear friends across the country, and our wonderful family, including Unc, Aunt Mola, Bell, Richard and Trey, Papa, Grammy and Siggy, Uncle Chuck, Jace, Marla and Maddy!
Chandler will begin his new adventure in January 2010, enrolling early to get a head start on all of his new athletic and academic challenges.
Although we, as his parents, will miss him tremendously, we are proud of all that he has done to prepare himself for the next step, and we look forward to supporting him every step of the way.
