After taking some time to mull over his options, Warrenton senior Nolan Chmiel decided to further his academic and football career at Millikin University.

“I looked at how good the academics were, location of the school, the cost, and the people,” Chmiel said. “The players were like a family, just like here, but maybe just a little more mature.”

Millikin is a Division III school that is located in Decatur, Ill. The Big Blue athletic programs play for the CCIW, the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. 

“I didn’t want to be a million hours away from home,” Chmiel said. “But I did want to be far enough away.”

Chmiel received 10 official offers, which included universities seeking his track and field abilities, and visited six different campuses. Chmiel selected Millikin because he felt that the Big Blue offered him something that he truly wanted in the end. 

“The football coaches are just awesome there,” Chmiel said. “They wanted me to play quarterback and that’s what I wanted to do.”

The two and a half hour drive to Decatur is no stranger to the Warrenton football program. Warrenton products Alex and Chris Vogt, who graduated in 2018, also play at Millikin.

The brothers can provide some guidance and leadership for Chmiel, just like they did when they were in high school.

“Nolan can expect one of the best experiences there is,” sophomore Alex Vogt said. “Millikin is a special place full of diversity and unique opportunities.”

Sophomore Chris Vogt added, “Nolan can expect a close-knit brotherhood, on and off the field. Our program doesn’t split into groups because we are all on the same team, no matter what.”

Millikin is looking at Chmiel to play quarterback for them in the fall. The dual-threat QB has been a starter for the Warriors for the past two seasons. Although his senior season was riddled with injuries, he still managed to share the team lead in touchdowns. 

However, his junior year was a breakout season for his first year under center. Chmiel ran for almost 1,400 yards and found the end zone 16 times. He added almost 800 yards and four more touchdowns through the air. He even caught a pass for a touchdown.

“High school was fun because we were a big family,” Chmiel said. “It made it better on the field because we knew each other personally instead of just through football.”

Chmiel plans to major in business and Millikin provides a unique program. The professors are still very involved in the business world while providing an education for the university. 

“They have really good internships that are located in St. Louis,” Chmiel said. “It will be nice to be close to home during that time.”

It took some time for Chmiel to agree on which school was best for him. He asked his family, friends, and his former coaches for advice.

Warrenton Head Coach Steve McDowell is excited for the QB’s future at Millikin. 

“I just think that’s a good fit for him,” McDowell said. “They’ve got a great program up there and they’re getting a high character kid who works hard and with his athletic ability, I think he will excel up there.”