Wintholz signs with Chadron

Sidney High School Senior Tucker Wintholz, a two-year starter and three year letterman on the Red Raiders football team, committed to attend and play football at Chadron State University.

Wintholz, who was a strong component of the Red Raiders offensive and defensive lines the past two seasons, is expected to play on the offense side of the ball for the Eagles. As an offensive tackle on Sidney’s line, he was a key factor in an a ground churning attack that racked up more than 350 rushing yards per game.

On defense Wintholz was among the team leaders in tackles - unusual for an interior lineman. In 11 games, he pulled down 49 opposing ball carriers during the 2013 season.

Wintholz is heading to an Eagles team that has emerged as a powerhouse, especially in recent years. Last season, under first-year Head Coach Jay Long, Chadron went 9-3 overall and 8-1 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The Eagles also hosted a first-round game in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

“I decided on Chadron because I wanted to be a part of their winning tradition,” said Wintholz. “Also I love the atmosphere and I love the school. It will be nice to be playing with my brother as well.”

Tucker’s brother, Tanner, graduated from Sidney in 2013 and began attending Chadron last fall. Tanner, who was redshirted last season, is a defensive end.

“We may be going up against eachother in practice a lot,” said Wintholz.

Though Tanner blazed the trail north, the family left the decision on where to go entirely up to Tucker. The son of Steve and Shannon Wintholz of Sidney, Tucker at least had his family to bounce his thoughts off as he pondered the decision. He had many conversations with Tanner and his parents before deciding on Chadron.

Towards the end it came down to Doane College and Chadron State.

“We encouraged him to look at all his options and not just choose Chadron because his brother was going there,” said Shannon Wintholz. “They’re very close, but there were other considerations as well.”

Tanner also tried to stay away from being too strong an influence on Tucker’s final decision.

“My brother just told me to do what I wanted to do,” said Wintholz. “He wanted me to make a decision on what was best for me.”

Wintholz will be begin at Chadron in August with the start of two-a-day practices. Classes will begin on Aug. 18. The season opens at home against Missouri S&T on Sept. 6. But even before classes and practices begin, Wintholz will be sent a workout plan and weight lifting schedule that will keep him busy until he arrives on campus.

“I’m really excited to be going to Chadron and I’m really glad I made this decision,” said Wintholz. “I look forward to doing whatever I can to benefit the team.”

In a signing ceremony Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. in the high school Media Center, Wintholz joined four of his fellow Sidney High School seniors who signed letters of intent: Paxton Ehler (basketball), Karson Langley (golf), Logan Lewis (football) and Lucas Rosenbaum (track).

Five from Sidney sign letters of intent

Tucker Wintholz (football), Chadron St.

Paxton Ehler (basketball), Nebraska Wesleyan

Karson Langley (golf), Chadron St.

Logan Lewis (football), Franklin & Marshall

Lucas Rosenbaum (track), Missouri S&T

The Sun-Telegraph will feature each student-athlete over the next few days.