I-S senior to play football for Hawkeyes

By Holly Neumann

He’s a Thunderbird now, but he’ll soon be a Hawkeye.

Iola-Scandinavia High School senior Kristian Welch signed his National Letter of Intent Feb. 3 to play football at the University of Iowa.

“I was just a kid playing football,” he said. “Playing in the Big 10 (Conference) has always been a goal of mine. This is a dream come true.”

Welch, who will start school with an undeclared major, will attend on a full scholarship.

“Kristian deserves this scholarship,” I-S football coach Scott Erickson said. “He has worked very hard to get to where he is and I know he will continue to work hard and get the most out of the opportunity.”

Erickson noted Welch’s strong work ethic that led to being named a first-team all-conference running back and linebacker as a senior.

“I think the sky is the limit for Kristian,” he said. “He has so much potential. With his work ethic and his God-given ability, I see him as a Big 10 standout in the next couple of years.”

Welch believes his work ethic and knowledge of the game will help him succeed.

“I will do what’s best for the team,” he said. “My biggest asset is my strength, speed and size. I know I will improve as my training progresses and I am excited to see what I will become once I get on campus.”

He said Iola-Scandinavia has equipped him with the skills that got him this far.

“I am so thankful for the community that I have grown up in,” Welch said. “I have learned so many things from the I-S coaching staff and teachers that I will utilize at the college level.”

Welch gave credit to Erickson and his parents, Tim and Mary Welch, for inspiring him as an athlete.

“They both have guided me and helped me strive to reach my goals,” he said. “They have pushed me to become the kind of person I am today on and off the field.”