Argos’ loss is Manchester’s gain
ARGOS — Argos High School senior Madilyn Vanderweele has decided to continue her academic and athletic career at Manchester University in North Manchester, Indiana. She made it official with a signing ceremony at the high school Wednesday.
Vanderweele, a two-sport standout (soccer, basketball) will play basketball for the Spartans. Manchester is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III and plays in the 10-team Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC).
“I had applied to IUPUI, IU Bloomington, University of Indianapolis, Earlham, Saint Mary’s, Ball State, and Manchester,” said Vanderweele. “After meeting (Manchester head basketball) Coach Dzurick at one of my games, I had a gut feeling that I was going to end up at there. I visited a month later and met the team. I knew right away that there is where I belonged. I felt an instant connection with the school, the team, and the coach. Coach Dzurick has been around for a long time and has established a good foundation. The team is treated like a family.”
After many years of playing multiple sports, the Argos senior is grateful for the past while looking ahead to the future.
“I have loved growing up playing soccer at Argos,” added Vanderweele, who plans on studying both Accounting and Education. “Not playing next year will definitely feel different, but I’m grateful my soccer career was as successful as it was. One of my best memories at Argos would be the relationships I have been able to build with both coaches and my teammates. After going through many obstacles throughout my career, there have been many successful moments, such as going to the Bi-county basketball championship game.
“I am just super grateful and humbled to be given this opportunity to further represent not only Manchester University, but also Argos. This is a big accomplishment for me and I am ready to begin the next chapter!”
Other members of the HCAC include Anderson University, Bluffton University, Defiance College, Earlham College, Franklin College, Hanover College, Mount St. Joseph University, Rose-hulman Institute of Technology and Translyvania University.