Warrenton offensive linemen Jeremy Schneider and Matt Copher have decided to continue their football careers together at Westminster College next season.

Westminster, an NCAA Division III program in Fulton, Mo., competes in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference.

While both players will spend plenty of time with the football program, another aspect of the university aided their decision, as well.

“It really came down to the academics,” said Copher, who plans on majoring in criminal justice.

Copher was a first-team All-Gateway Athletic Conference North selection last season, while Schneider earned second-team honors.

The duo were three-year starters for Warrenton, and both expect to play on the line at Westminster, but aren’t sure of what positions yet.

“At the end of my freshman year, I thought I had what it took to play college football,” Schneider said. “The coaches at Westminster have helped me a lot and I’m excited to play for them, but the guys I really want to thank are Coach Mac (Stephen McDowell) and (Assistant Coach) Joe Klostermann.”

Schneider is undecided on a major.

Last season, the pair helped block for quarterback Braydan Chmiel, who passed for 1,465 yards, rushed for 615 and scored 26 touchdowns.

Starting running back Cameron Richardson ran behind Schneider and Copher for 541 yards and four touchdowns.

“I believe they’re ready for the next level,” McDowell said. “There will be a bit of an awakening for them at the next level, but I think they’ll be prepared for it.”

McDowell added that footwork and conditioning will be the biggest things to work on in college.

Schneider said it was “inevitable” that he ended up at Westminster.

“It was a small campus and the student body was awesome,” he said.

McDowell was pleased with the decisions.

“I stressed to them that they should go to a program that will get them there academically,” he said. “And I think it’s a great fit for both kids.”

Copher said Westminster was a perfect fit for him both athletically and academically, and McDowell added that neither player will be easy to replace next season.

“They’re competitors, captains, very coachable and I’ve loved having them on our ball club,” he said. “They were two great kids for our program and they’re going to a great program in Westminster.

NEXT STEP — Matt Copher poses after signing his letter of intent to play football at Westminster College. Front row, from left, father, James Copher, Copher, mother, Rafaela Copher and sister, Kimberly Copher. Back row, from left, Warrenton assistant coaches Joe Klostermann and Steve Menteer, Head Coach Steven McDowell, and assistant coaches Jeff Smith and Scott Butler. Kory Carpenter photo.

SIGNING DAY — Jeremy Schneider signs his letter of intent to play football at Westminster College next season. Front row, from left, mother, Deanna Schneider, Schneider, father, Thomas Schneider and brother, Zander Schneider. Back row, from left, Warrenton assistant coaches Joe Klostermann and Steve Menteer, Head Coach Steven McDowell, and assistant coaches Jeff Smith and Scott Butler Kory Carpenter photo.