ARLINGTON — Colton Hordyk, a graduating senior from Arlington High School, has spent four years playing football for the Eagles, and heads now to play for MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kan.

“They have committed to four years, they are really excited for him to come down,” said Greg Hordyk, Colton’s grandfather. “The team looked at him and said, ‘We like the way he plays.’”

Colton has played in the American Youth Football League all the way through as a Junior Eagle, until he began playing for his high school in ninth grade.

Ten years of practice has served Hordyk well, as he is set to report for school on Aug. 7 and begin playing football on a scholarship at the MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Hordyk said he got into playing football because of his dad, who was his first tackle football coach. “Ever since then I loved it and I never wanted to stop playing,” he said.

Hordyk, who has been on the varsity team since his sophomore year, has played different positions but mostly focuses on running back and wide receiver.

“I like them both pretty much the same, but running back can be a little more exciting,” said Hordyk, who was named to the Wesco North first team offense last season.

Over the years, Hordyk has spent a lot of time in training. During school they train every morning at 7 a.m. In the summer, they train every other day, with weekends off until August when they start lifting daily, often twice a day.

“I kept following my coach’s weight program, which has a lot of speed training and strength training,” said Hordyk.

Hordyk said although the workouts were tough, they were necessary. “I never once wanted to give up,” he said. “I would never quit, I enjoyed it.”

Moving to Kansas will be a little tough for Hordyk who has a strong sense of community and ties to Arlington.

“In high school, the whole town comes to see you play. Little kids know who you are. I’ll miss the town aspect of high school football,” he said.

Playing college ball will be a bit different, as he will have to shift his focus to learning and memorizing plays.

“I don’t think I have to focus on my skill as much, I’ve got my skill. I just have to work on the plays and studying those,” said Hordyk. “The coach said that if I come in knowing all the plays, I’ll be able to start.”

He will continue his speed training as well, and will have to do some conditioning to get used to the 100 degree weather in Kansas.

Hordyk is also an Arlington baseball player and is also considering trying out for the college baseball team as well. “The baseball coach asked me if I wanted to play,” he said. “I will probably try out because I might be able to get more scholarships.”

Although Hordyk is excited about playing for his college and likes his new teammates, he will miss the friends he has back home — especially his girlfriend, as well as his best friend and fellow football player Blake McPherson.

“I thought about getting a summer job, but I don’t think I will. I want to hangout with my friends before I leave,” he said.