Offensive Lineman Tackles Criminal Justice
Standing 6 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing 280 pounds, Richie Rebmann '14 makes a big impact on and off the football field. A starter for the Bearcats since
midway through his freshman year, the left tackle anchored a line that allowed just
16 quarterback sacks in 2012.
For his accomplishments on the field, he earned honorable mention All-Great Lakes
Valley Conference (GLVC) honors, was the Bearcats' player representative at the GLVC
Football Kickoff 2013 event in July, and recently earned honorable mention status
on the USA Football Network Pre-Season NCAA Division II All-America Team.
A native of Bensenville, Ill., a northern Chicago suburb, Richie chose McKendree for
the football team and because of the small town feel. “I like that everyone knows
who you are and you are able to say ‘hi’ to people on the street instead of trying
to avoid each other.”
He admits transitioning to McKendree was tough at first. A first-generation student,
Richie struggled being away from his family. “My entire family is my biggest motivation
for success,” he said. “I do everything for them - football and school. They are my
rock. Whenever I need them they are there. They always encourage me, whether I have
a test during the week or a game on Saturday. They are my motivators.”
He credits football with his favorite times at McKendree. “I am very glad to be at
McKendree and be a Bearcat,” said Richie. “I love this sport and this team. My teammates
are the ones that make it worthwhile, because we are the ones who are fighting together.
After all the hard work we put in together and as individuals; at the end of the day
you know that you are doing it for that person right next to you - your brother.”
He also acknowledges the support of his professors and coaches. “I wouldn’t be anywhere
without them,” he said. “My professors have provided me all the opportunities and
assistance to become successful in the classroom and my coaches have taught me how
to be a better football player and person.”
Richie’s success has extended off the field as well. In 2012, the dean’s list scholar
was one of 159 Bearcats to earn academic All-GLVC honors. In his spare time he volunteers
with McKendree’s Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service, helping kids with homework
in an after-school program at the Christian Activity Center in East St. Louis, Ill.
His interest in helping people, getting them back on the right track, and keeping
them safe, led Richie to major in sociology, with a criminal justice emphasis. “I
have always been interested in criminal justice,” he said. In high school I was even
part of peer jury, which is a court system for juveniles who committed petty crimes.”
This summer he was able to put his classroom knowledge to practice through an internship
with the Highland Park Police Department.
After graduation, Richie plans to start his career as a patrol officer. After gaining
a few years of experience he would like to eventually pursue a government job with
the FBI, DEA, or CIA.
