Playing football at Rochelle Township High School helped Alex Harvey learn the work ethic and tenacity needed to play the game at an extremely high level.

Harvey shined throughout his four-year career with the Hubs, earning All-Conference First Team recognition over the last two seasons for his efforts on both sides of the football. The graduating senior rushed for nearly 2,500 yards during his time at RTHS including 1,335 yards his final year, and his 64 tackles on defense helped warrant All-Conference Co-MVP honors.

When Harvey takes the field this coming fall, he’ll be wearing red and green instead of Rochelle’s traditional purple and white. That’s because Harvey will be continuing his football career at Washington University in St. Louis this coming year, and his decision was made official when RTHS celebrated its senior signees at its Signing Day Ceremony this past month.

“I’m excited to continue playing the sport I love and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to be a member of a football family again,” Harvey said. “Wash-U has an excellent coaching staff as well as great facilities. The combination of a great football program and excellent academics made the decision easy for me.”

The Bears will not only be getting an outstanding football player in Harvey, but they’ll be receiving an excellent student as well. Harvey earned Academic All-State honors from the IHSA this past school year, and the senior graduate was a perennial Academic All-Conference recipient. Harvey will be studying biomedical engineering, which will allow him to channel his interests in mathematics and biology.

“Biomedical engineering was the perfect choice,” said Harvey, who aims to become a surgeon. “I would like to go to medical school and eventually apply for a surgical residency.”

In addition to playing football, Harvey wrestled at RTHS for four years under his father and head wrestling coach Richard Harvey. He qualified for state twice, finishing fourth as a junior and placing second as a senior. Harvey has played football since fifth grade, and he said he enjoys the physicality and strategic elements of the game. He also said his father Richard has been his biggest role model in football.

“My dad has had a huge influence on my football career,” Harvey said. “He’s helped me find the desire to be the best player I can be. Watching past Hub football players has also greatly influenced me to make the most of my time on the field.”