Heimerdinger likes future at Western Michigan

By Curt Herron

Getting the opportunity to play right away was a very important factor for Lyons Township senior Brian Heimerdinger in his college selection process.

While Illinois Chicago, Northern Illinois and Southern Illinois and eastern programs Lafayette and Vermont were all interested, a better offer emerged.

And that came from Western Michigan University, where new coach Stu Riddle knew about Heimerdinger and was interested in having him join his program.

Not only that, but the new Broncos coach hoped to rely upon Heimerdinger and some of his other new recruits as quickly as during their freshman seasons.

"I was in my normal season for the Chicago Fire Academy and Western Michigan's head coach, Stu Riddle, e-mailed me to let me know that they were watching me," Heimerdinger said.

"He told me straight up that he wanted me to come to Western Michigan since he liked how I played and thought that I could have a starting spot all four years there.

"So that kind of instantly drew me in since that was the best kind of playing offer that I've gotten. And that's what I want to do when I go to college, not sit on the bench."

When Heimerdinger went to see the campus and the program's facilities in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he definitely came away with a positive view.

"I visited the campus and as soon as I got there I was impressed," Heimerdinger said. "They had a whole new athletic center and their own indoor facility to practice in and a new locker room.

"The head coach is also brand new this year and he's completely turning around the whole program. I think he's bringing in something like eight players for this upcoming season."

But just as important for Heimerdinger was the possibility of not only being part of something new at WMU but being able to contribute right away.

And the combination of having the chance to maybe play regularly for four years mixed with the excitement of a new program was too much to pass up.

"The coach is hoping that he can bring in all of these freshmen and have them start so that we'll have two or three years of experience by the time we're juniors or seniors," Heimerdinger said.

"I liked the way that he presented everything to me about how I'd play and probably be able to start all four years and how they really wanted me since they thought I could influence the team.

"So everything that they had to offer, not just money-wise, but the whole campus and their facilities, made it an easy decision for me."

Heimerdinger also is focused on the other major reason why he's heading to Western Michigan, for the continuation of his education.

So after getting the chance to decide his future without any sort of deadline hanging over his head, Heimerdinger can't wait for college to begin.

"I'm going to major in exercise science since I hope to become a physical therapist after I go on and get my master's degree," Heimerdinger said.

"It was really nice since the coach didn't pressure me to make a decision, he told me to decide whenever I was ready. That also helped me with my decision.

"So I'm really excited for next season at Western Michigan and I can't wait to go there to start the preseason training with them."