By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Rob Schuelke has been part of plenty of historical happenings as part of the Niles High School football program the past four years.
During that time the Vikings made the state playoffs three straight times and won the school's first ever playoff game during his senior year.
Now Schuelke has made history once again, being the first Michigan player to be nominated for the Moose Krause Scholarship, an award based on academics and athletics presented by the Moose Krause Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.
Niles varsity football coach Dave Janicki received a letter from the Moose Krause Scholarship committee requesting a nomination for Schuelke and Janicki was happy to oblige.
Schuelke has a 3.96 grade point average and scored a 28 on his ACT. Beyond that, Janicki said, Schuelke was one of the most reliable players in the program.
After being selected as one of 18 finalists for the scholarship, Schuelke attended a banquet along with his parents and Janicki. Father Theodore Hesburgh and head football coach Tyrone Willingham were the keynote speakers at the banquet.
Schuelke did not receive the scholarship but was given a plaque of recognition.
Schuelke plans to continue his football career in college, but has not chosen a school yet.