Greg Hiltbrand and the Normal West Wildcats visit Mishawaka, Ind. on Friday to play Marian Catholic. (Photo by Brian Brakebill/You Name It Sports)

By Bryan Bloodworth

NORMAL - It won't just be football today as Normal West's football team travels to Mishawaka, Ind., for a non-conference game against Marian Catholic.

Coach Darren Hess is making the trip an educational experience as well.

"We going to leave school about 10, drive to South Bend and take a tour of the Notre Dame campus and stadium," said Hess, whose 5-2 team meets Marian Catholic (5-3) in a 6 p.m. contest. 

"For some of my guys, this will be the first major college they'll ever get to see. I think it's important for them to think past high school and what opportunities they might be able to get," added Hess. "I'm hoping this might inspire them and it will help break up our day.

"Notre Dame has such rich tradition and a beautiful campus. For them to see that setting will be very beneficial for our kids and hopefully spark interest in them toward college."

Next year the Wildcats have a non-confererence game scheduled in Columbia, Mo., and have plans to visit the University of Missouri.

Bryan Bloodworth can be reached at bryan.bloodworth@cumulus.com