Familiar Faces Await LW-Central Students Who Will Play in College

About six years ago, when Lincoln-Way Central senior Tyler Young's brother signed to play football in college, Young made it a priority for him to do the same. On Wednesday, he was recognized along with fellow student athlete Alex Severson for signing to play their sports at the next level.

“When he went to play in college I knew I wanted to," Young said of his brother. "Since then, every day I’ve been lifting, running. Never missed a day of football.”

Young, who will play football at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, joined Severson, who will play basketball at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa, during Central's spring signing day event. Earlier this year, three student athletes from Central were honored at a similar event.

Young isn't just following in family footsteps, but also his friends'. Last year, football standouts Brian Hennessy and Jeremy Wallace were recruited to St. Ambrose, and Young said he's excited to join them.

“They’re looking good this year," he said. "They’ve reloaded the last two years and now we’re ready to go.”

Severson will also reunite with a good friend on his basketball team at Ashford. Lincoln-Way West senior Mike Marotta also signed to play there next year; the two were separated their freshman year when Central and West students split up.

"We had been on the same team since fifth grade," Severson said. "We’ve always been good friends. It’s exciting going back to play with him."

Young hasn't decided a major, but hopes to do pre-law or pre-dentistry. The All-Conference athlete played outside linebacker and strong safety, and was the team's leading tackler and defensive MVP. He was also honored with the coaches' Hustle, Try and Desire Award for the hardest worker.

"Coming in new to take over the head coach position, it’s important to have senior leadership," football coach Brett Hefner said. "He’s an outstanding leader, not only vocally but silently with his hard work."

Severson, who is a tall point guard at 6-foot-5, averaged 6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game this season for the Knights. He plans to major in psychology.

"This tremendous accomplishment is (the result of) years of sacrifice," basketball coach Bob Curran said. "It’s a testimony to your work ethic and family values."

Both athletes were joined by their families for the celebration, and they were happy their hard work paid off.

“It's definitely exciting and liberating," Severson said. "I finally got my goal.”