News Photo by Owen Kinzey Alpena High senior Brady Niedzwiecki, center, signed his letter of intent on Wednesday to play football at the University of Concordia Chicago.

ALPENA — Compared to years past, the Alpena Wildcats had a limited number of athletes committing for National Signing Day.

With only one athlete announcing his collegiate path, Brady Niedzwiecki officially committed to the University of Concordia Chicago on Wednesday.

Niedzwiecki hopes to continue his athletic career as a solid wide receiver option while pursuing his academic career as well.

“I really chose Concordia because I felt like they cared about what I wanted and about me succeeding,” Niedzwiecki said. “It felt like a family when I went there right away and I think I can help (Concordia) out with my talents.”

Last season, Niedzwiecki had his best year at receiver, where he finished as a second team all-Big North Conference player. He earned that honor through hard work during practices and in the weight room.

During his senior year, Niedzwiecki racked up 26 receptions for 403 yards and scored three touchdowns.

During his entire varsity career, Niedzwiecki had 48 receptions for 647 yards and four touchdowns.

“Brady (Niedzwiecki) meant a lot to this team. He went from not liking to run some routes to being by far in a way our best route runner and set the bar really high for everyone else. He found a way to get open all the time and did all the little things right,” Alpena football coach Eric Mitchell said.

Even though Niedzwiecki showed his aptitude and skills at the varsity level, things weren’t always so easy. Difficulties early on in Niedzwiecki’s career almost led to him quitting football, but dedication and determination to the game helped him pursue his dreams.

“After my freshman year, I almost quit football. Coach Mitchell is the person who really kept me into football, so I really want to thank him,” Niedzwiecki said.

Outside of his football career, Niedzwiecki hopes to land a degree in sports marketing at Concordia. When Niedzwiecki was given the opportunity to follow his love for football and continue his study for sports marketing, Concordia was a simple decision.

“The sports management and marketing program was really interesting and seemed like the perfect fit for me. In the past, their program was very successful and I’d love to be a part of that,” Niedzwiecki said.

Given this opportunity, Niedzwiecki is more than thankful to all of his supporters and all of the people that made this dream come true.

“I really would like to thank and appreciate all of my coaches from Jets until High school, every teammate I’ve ever had because I wouldn’t be able to do it without them, Coach Mitchell for keeping me in football, and especially my parents and family for always supporting me,” Niedzwiecki said.