Anderson heads to Augie

Richmond-Burton fullback-linebacker Mike Anderson suffered a fractured C-6 vertebra in last year's season opener and missed the rest of the season.

At that point, Anderson figured his football career was over. He had plans to attend Iowa State University, where he would not play that sport. Those plans changed during the school year. He visited Augustana College, an NCAA Division III school in Rock Island, as a football recruit, and loved the place.

Anderson (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) will play football for the Vikings, likely lining up at linebacker or defensive end.

"It can't be over," Anderson said. "I love [football] too much."

Anderson rushed for 850 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior, then suffered the injury this season. While the Rockets made their amazing run to the IHSA Class 4A playoff semifinals, Anderson was relegated to the role of spectator.

"I've been fully cleared by all doctors," Anderson said. "It was a bone break, so they said it should heal and actually be stronger."

- Joe Stevenson