LAKEVILLE, IN. - LaVille's Noah Richhart has signed to continue his academic and athletic career at Indiana Wesleyan University. Richhart plans to play football for the Wildcats. He played fullback and linebacker on the 2022 LaVille football roster. Listed at 5-foot-10, 200-pounds, he earned Class 2A Indiana Football Coaches Association All-State honors and was selected as a First-Team All-Hoosier North Athletic Conference performer and plans to study Computer Science. "IWU is a great school," Richhart said of his selection. "When I went there for a couple of visits, the hospitality was amazing. The thing that compelled me to go there is they are a faith-based school. I have a great opportunity to further my faith as well as my education and athletics."Being a part of small towns like Lakeville and Lapaz helped Richhart realize how special small communities mean to him."It’s always been smaller schools to be honest with you," said Richhart. "Growing up in a small school is all I’ve really known. I really enjoy the small community feeling. Everybody knows each other, it's like we are all family. To be able to stay in a small community really appeals to me." He finished his career with 790 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. As a receiver, Richhart caught 19 balls for 241 yards and 2 TDs. On defense, Richhart concluded with 269 tackles, including 15 for loss and five fumble recoveries. "It started with a handful of schools, then narrowed it down to four just recently," explained Richhart. "It came down to two main schools. I talked to my family, friends, coaches, prayed about it and ultimately decided that Indian Wesleyan was the best option for me." Richhart was a key cog as LaVille won the 2022 HNAC championship.For Richhart and his 2023 classmates, it was a challenge issued by head football coach Will Hostrawser that got the team dreaming big. "We all knew that we were a talented group and we all knew that we had amazing potential," Richhart said. "And we all wanted to take it to the next level and be able to win sectionals again or win conference. That’s really what drove us." Hostrawser's post-game chat was from the heart following a regional loss at Andrean in the fall of 2021. He challenged the Lancer football team to hit the weight room and work hard during the off-season. "We all had each other as a support system and when one person was (in the weight room) or they were able to get the whole group in there, we had each other to help get us in there," said Richhart. "The coaches were great in getting all of us in there . . .That want more. That want for conference, state, sectionals . . all of that."When asked about his most memorable moment, Richhart said that it came during the 2022 undefeated regular season run and HNAC title that will reign clear. A big play that will forever remain for Richhart will be the first play for LaVille in overtime when his number was called to carry the ball."It was something else," recalled Richhart of the October 7 HNAC game against North Judson-San Pierre. ". . . I’ve never experienced anything like it. All I know is that I got the ball. I ran forward for, oh, I don’t know two yards . . . I thought I was going to be done. Next thing you know I’m moving forward, I don’t know, I was picked up off the ground it felt like. I was just being carried into the end zone. The next thing you know I’m in the end zone and it’s a touchdown. It was an incredible experience. "The bleachers on both sides of the stadium were packed to the brim with fans. For me to score the game winning touchdown in overtime of that game is something I will never forget. The team rushing the field after the score and the fans going crazy was unforgettable.” Following a 21-21 tie to end regulation of that HNAC battle at Lancer Field, Richhart got the first carry to open LaVille’s possession in the extra session. It appeared that Richhart would get a modest five yard gain, but as the Lancer back seemed to vanish in a sea of humanity, the pile kept moving and the whistle never blew.The end result was Richhart being pushed across the goal line for the game-winning touchdown that sent LaVille football and all of Lancer Nation into a frenzy. "That is something I will never forget," noted Richhart. "That was the greatest feeling I think I have ever felt to be honest with you. You know, to have everyone running from the sideline to celebrate with me and to have the whole team there with me is something I don’t think I will ever experience again." As we closed our time together, we asked Richhart what football has meant to him to this point in his life. "You know, that is a good question," Richhart responded, pondering the question. "I would explain it as something that I have had a desire for. It’s something that I wanted to excel in. I just continue to push myself and be the best I can be in it and to see where it takes me." The Wildcats are coming off the best season in program history and Richhart is one of the 39 new faces set to join the locker room in the fall of 2023. IWU concluded the 2022 season with an 11-2 overall record. The Wildcats climbed up to No. 5 in the national rankings and advanced to the NAIA FCS semifinals.Richhart will play for first-year IWU coach Andrew Rode. Richhart will play for first-year IWU coach Andrew Rode.  Apart of the Mid-States Football Association Conference, IWU won the 2022 conference title with a 7-0 record. Joining the Wildcats in loop play are Marian, Concordia (Michigan), Siena Heights, Taylor, Lawrence Tech, and Madonna.