Only three weeks after verbally committing to the Timberwolves, Riley Vennix officially signed his name Thursday afternoon to join the football team on the gridiron in the fall.

Vennix was joined by his friends and family, local news, and many classmates and teammates at the high school to celebrate the occasion.

“(Northwood) felt like there’s a home for me and (the team felt) like a family,” Vennix said. “I just feel like that's where I'd be best at for the next four years.”

When asked about what he would recommend to athletes pursuing a dream like Riley’s, the senior mentioned that doing more than what’s asked and being willing to sacrifice are key pieces to his success.

“If your wishes are to go in any sport or anything in life, just don’t stop working and work your butt off. Even if it's 5 A.M. and you got morning lift or morning speed training, just keep working because it's gonna pay off one day. It goes by fast so always be patient, be the best you can be, and don't look back.”

The senior continues his Cardinal athletic career tonight on the hardwood, as Big Rapids faces Newaygo for a chance to lock-in a spot in the CSAA tournament next week. He also plans to finish his baseball career in spring, playing his second season under skipper J.T. Scarpelli.