Yesterday in the presence of family, friends, and coaches, 2024 Charlestown graduate Clay McClelland signed his celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play football at Knox College in the fall.

The eighty-two acre campus which was founded in 1837 is located in Galesburg, Illinois just 45 miles from Peoria in the midwestern part of the state. With approximately 1,100 students enrolled, Knox is home to nearly 100 majors and minors.

Knox College competes at the NCAA Division III level in the Midwest Conference which also includes Beloit College (Wisconsin), Cornell College (Iowa), Grinnell College (Iowa), Illinois College (Illinois), Lake Forest College (Illinois), Lawrence College (Wisconsin), Monmouth College (Illinois), and Ripon College (Wisconsin). Knox is home to sixteen varsity sports including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, and track and field, as well as men’s baseball and football, and women’s softball and volleyball.

When asked about his choice to play at Knox College with the Prairie Fire, McClelland replied, “I chose Knox College because I felt valued to go there. The coaches want nothing but the best for their athletes on and off the field. Even though it’s five and a half hours away, once I am there, it feels like a second home which is very nice considering I’m not away from home very much.” He will major in business but looks to entertain other minors or options once he’s on campus.

Charlestown football coach Jason Hawkins expects big things for McClelland at Knox. He said, “Clay is a hard worker and a great kid, but his best trait for the collegiate level is that he can flat play football. He is a true warrior on the field and we will miss that.”

McClelland no doubt has left his mark on Charlestown Football earning places in the record book for the Single Game Passing Percentage (100% – 8 for 8 – 117 yards vs Salem in 2023) as well as 2nd All-Time in Career Passing Yards (4,671) and Passing Touchdowns (48), and 10th All-Time in Career Rushing Yards (2,828).

WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Clay and wishes him a healthy and prosperous future at Knox College.

Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Aiden Stewart.