Stirrett signs to play football for Illinois College

By Editor | June 3, 2025 |

Maddix Stirrett, pictured here with his brother, Mace, dad, Mikie, mom, Megan and sister, Maelee plans to major in accounting at Illinois College.

Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond High School is proud to announce that senior football student-athlete Maddix Stirrett will be continuing both his academic and athletic career at Illinois College.

Illinois College, located in Jacksonville, Illinois, is a proud member of the Midwest Conference and competes at NCAA Division III level. The Blueboys are coached by Ray DeFrisco, who enters his 10th season as head coach. DeFrisco, a key figure at Illinois College for 18 years, has played a pivotal role in guiding the football program to its most successful stretch in the college’s history.

Maddix has been a standout member of the Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond Knights football program for the past four years.

His numerous individual honors include IHSFCA Class 2A 1st Team All-State Linebacker, two-time News Gazette Football All-Area 1st Team Linebacker, two-time 1st Team All-Conference Linebacker, Honorable Mention All-Conference Running Back, Knight Award recipient, team captain, MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year. He holds school records for most tackles in a season (142) and most career tackles (335).

In addition to his football success, Maddix has excelled as a three-sport athlete, earning multiple awards in baseball and basketball.

Academically, he has been an honor roll student for four years and was selected for the Class 2A Football All-State Academic Team.

Maddix has also held leadership roles, including serving on the student council, as class president, FFA President and Vice President, a member of the National Honor Society, and as a math and writing center tutor. He was also named Homecoming King during his high school career.

To celebrate Maddix’s achievements, Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond High School held a signing ceremony on Tuesday, May 20. Family, coaches, teachers, administrators, teammates, and friends were all on hand to wish Maddix success in the future.