Arete Prep Alum Matthew McClelland Makes His Mark in College Football

From early-morning workouts to late-night study sessions, Arete Prep graduate Matthew McClelland has transformed hard work into remarkable success. Named First Team All-Conference in the Pioneer Football League and earning a 3.92 GPA while at Morehead State University, McClelland has proven he can excel on the field and in the classroom. Now continuing his football journey and studies at Southern Illinois University, this standout alum credits his formative years at Arete Prep, and the lessons learned there, for laying the groundwork for his impressive achievements and future aspirations.

At Morehead, McClelland has achieved several significant milestones besides being named First Team All-Conference. “I led the league in tackles, and tied the lead in interceptions,” he shared. Adding to his accomplishments, he also tied the school record with three interceptions in a single game.

Photo Courtesy of Morehead State University Athletics

McClelland recently took time on his winter break to come back to Arete Prep and speak at the Athletics Alumni Panel. “He had conversations with our current high school student athletes about steps to take now, in order to earn the opportunity to compete beyond high school,” shared Todd Conklin, Athletic Director at Arete Prep. “Matthew and his fellow alums also gave our current students glimpses into the daily life of a college student athlete and the benefits that are gained from the sports experience at the next level.”

Thinking back on his four years of high school that he attended at Great Hearts, the 2022 graduate credited the school with setting him up for success. “During my time at Arete Prep, I formed good habits, whether it be study habits, getting ahead of assignments, or simply showing up to class on time. These are what prepared me and have helped me the most in the college classroom,” he explained. “On the field, I was able to play and start on the varsity football team at Arete for four years, which gave me very valuable experience in the game.” He said the opportunity to also play basketball, baseball, and golf added to his overall athleticism. “[That] made my time at Arete very enjoyable.”

According to McClelland, the lessons learned at Arete Prep have left a lasting impression. “The most important lesson I learned was the importance of doing the work to set yourself up for the future while still enjoying the journey and being where your feet are,” he said.

“Matthew is not only one of the most talented athletes to come through Arete Prep, but he is also one of the finest young men and leaders we could have representing us in his next chapter,” shared Conklin. “He sets an excellent example to our current and future families and student athletes. By attending and graduating from a Great Hearts academy, you can receive a world class classical education and thrive athletically across multiple sports. In doing so, you can earn the opportunity to not just compete at the NCAA Division I level but excel while there.”

His father, Rob McClelland, feels that the education his son received at the Great Hearts academy was second to none. “Arete Prep’s challenging curriculum instilled discipline, time management, and a commitment to high standards in my son, preparing him for the academic demands of college,” he said. “The school’s encouragement of student-athletes and its focus on balancing academics and sports provided a foundation for Matthew to excel as a collegiate athlete.”

McClelland has since transferred as a junior to Southern Illinois University, where he continues to play football while pursuing a degree in university studies and considers his future plans. “I am still figuring out what I plan to do after graduation,” he admitted.

When asked what advice he would give to his high school self, Matthew offered an impressive perspective: “Do not take the high school experience for granted because things are going to become a lot more serious, and you won’t get the chance to just be a high schooler again.”

As this Great Hearts alum continues to excel, his story continues to serve as an inspiring example of how the foundations laid during high school can propel students to remarkable achievements, both academically and athletically, in their college years and beyond.

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