While Billy Speiser's high school journey is nearly complete, the Warrenton senior said his future path is, in part, set by everything he’s learned at Warrenton.

Speiser, who recently signed his National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play football at Benedictine, was set in motion by everything he first learned as a youth and, then, in his last year of high school within the R-III district.

“This was super-special and a ton of fun,” said Speiser, reminiscing. “All through elementary and middle school, we said we were going to be great in high school and I ended up leaving. Coming back was really fun to finish it out with the guys. I really like Koper; he’s a good coach who pushes us. He expects a lot out of us, but he’s really fun to play for.”

Speiser, who finished out his high school career by playing on the offensive line for Warrenton, drew a raving critique from Warriors’ coach Jason Koper.

Koper said that the 6-foot-4, 240-pound lineman is just as much brains as brawn, if not more.

“He’s a great young man,” Koper said. “His dedication to not only being an athlete, but a student-athlete, he’s the type of guy you want to get as many of him as you can get. It was a real blessing to have him with us this year and we’re grateful to be a part of this (signing). He is a phenomenal young man and a great player.”

Last season for Warrenton, Speiser – who transferred to the school after three years at Lutheran St. Charles – amassed 19 tackles and a sack on the defensive end, but his true value was on offense.

He helped the Warriors (7-4) score 265 points, an average of 24. 0 points per game.

More than the numbers, though, Koper said that Speiser’s smarts will pay dividends for a Ravens team, which finished 12-2 last season.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to coach many like him, his IQ and his overall quality as a human,” Koper said. “I’m glad he’s getting this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what he’ll do at Benedictine. I think he’s got a great future playing college football, not just the playing side of things but the bookwork side to it.”

Speiser said that he’s excited for the chance to head to Atchison, Kan., after he graduates high school.

He said the people involved in the Ravens’ program were really what drew him to the school. 

“I really like the coaching staff and I get to pursue my engineering degree and play football at the same time,” Speiser said.

As for what he’d like to accomplish at the next level, Speiser said an engineering degree is his long-term goal, but he also has his sights set on some rapid achievements once her gets to the school. 

“I hope to be a starter playing offensive tackle,” Speiser said. “I just want to do whatever I can to help the team win. Go Ravens!”