Linton-Stockton senior Lance Irwin (right) tries to get by a Sullivan defender in a game earlier in the 2007 season. Irwin will continue to play football for Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and will major in Bio medical engineering. (Daily World File Photo).

Rose-Hulman participates in Division III athletics and is not allowed to grant any scholarship money for athletes. Irwin however will receive an endowment scholarship of $2,000 each year.

Irwin mentioned that the level of excellence in their education was the primary reason for choosing the Engineers, while playing football was second.

"The high level of education that I will receive there is the first and foremost reason why I choose Rose," Irwin said. "And the idea of being able to play football again was second."

According to RHIT head coach Steve Englehart, the four year defensive end for the Miners will also be battling in the trenches for the Engineers.

"We will start Lance out on the defensive line and he could possibly see some time on the offensive line as well. A lot of that will be determined on how well he makes the adjustment from the high school to collegiate level."

The incoming freshman realizes that the game at the next level will be a lot more difficult but is looking forward to the challenge.

"I know that the speed of the game will be a lot faster and that I will be going up against could be four years older than me and have that experience. I know that I will have to really hit the weights this off-season to put on a few more pounds and develop more arm strength and quickness, but I can't wait."

The Engineers are coming off of a eight-win season last season, and Irwin noted that he his happy the direction his new team is headed.

"I think their football system is really good, they were 8-3 last season and I am happy with that. I would love to have as much success there as we have had here at Linton, but this is a program that is still building."

In Irwin's four season at Linton-Stockton the Miners compiled an impressive 40-7 record, which is something that encourages his new head coach.

"We know that he comes from a good football program and has been very well coached," Englehart said. "He has established a work ethic second to none and we look forward to see what he has to offer to our program."

Irwin noted that one thing he learned while at Linton-Stockton that will help him succeed at Rose-Hulman is to be a coachable athlete.

"I've learned that you need to be very coachable, to listen to the advice of all your coaches and be able to make adjustments," Irwin said. "And also that you need to be dedicated to what you are doing and give 110 percent every time all the time."

With all the success the Miners football team has experienced in season's past, two games sticks out the most for Irwin.

"My junior year against North Central we were tied right before half-time and I had a scoop and a score from 23 yards, then this past season, against Perry Central we had them down 35-0 in the fourth quarter. So those two were probably my most memorable moments here."

For those not too familiar with football lingo, "scoop and score", Irwin was referring to a fumble recovery and returning it for a touchdown. And the significant fact about the score of the Perry Central game, was the Commodores were undefeated heading into the sectional championship game and the No. 2 team in the final Class A state poll.

For his senior season, Irwin was credited for 42 tackles (16 solo) with four tackles for loss, recording three sacks and recovering one fumble.

Irwin plans on majoring in Bio Medical Engineering.

"I am just really excited to be able to continue to play football plus I will be receiving a great education in the process."