Elgin's Muenzer to play at West Point

Dan Muenzer is preparing to move from Elgin's east side to West Point.

The 18-year-old senior from Elgin High School on Jan 18 accepted an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He is expected to play outside linebacker for the Black Knights.

"I really like the whole idea of the military and how you can become a leader at West Point while you're there," Muenzer said. "I like the idea of leading my classmates."

Muenzer took an official visit to West Point on the weekend of Nov. 6 and appreciated what he saw.

"I really liked the campus. It's a pretty unique place," he said. "I thought it was awesome. I go to Elgin right now, which isn't quite as regimented a lifestyle."

Muenzer was first visited by a representative of the Army football coaching staff last spring. Members of the Black Knights staff watched Muenzer play in person twice during Elgin's successful fall campaign, which resulted in the Maroons' first playoff berth since 2001.

Muenzer, who learned the ropes of playing football with the Elgin Crusaders in seventh and eighth grade, said it's a dream come true to play college football at Army, which finished the 2010 season with a record of 7-6 after beating SMU in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, 16-14.

"I've been working toward something like this for a long time," said Muenzer, who has been asked to add 15 pounds to his 6-foot, 195-pound frame. "I'm very excited about the entire situation. It's hard to put into words."

Muenzer carries a 3.3 grade-point average at Elgin. He intends to study engineering.