Rockford East Stars Sign with Rockford University and Minnesota State

Football lineman Gabe Underhill and wrestler Dana Wickson commit to college programs.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:08am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented forms of a football lineman and a wrestler, conveying the energy and dynamism of their sports through an abstract, multi-angled composition.Two Rockford East standouts take their athletic talents to the next level with college commitments.Rockford Today

Two standout student-athletes from Rockford East High School have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Football lineman Gabe Underhill will play for Rockford University, while wrestler Dana Wickson will compete for Minnesota State University in Mankato.

Why it matters

The signings of Underhill and Wickson highlight the strong athletic programs at Rockford East and the ability of the school to develop talented student-athletes who can compete at the next level, whether in Division II or Division III.

The details

Gabe Underhill, a standout offensive lineman for the Rockford East football team, signed his National Letter of Intent to play for Rockford University, a Division III program. Dana Wickson, a two-time state placer for the Rockford East wrestling team, signed to continue her wrestling career at Minnesota State University, a Division II school.

  • Underhill and Wickson signed their National Letters of Intent on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Wickson has finished fifth and fourth at the IHSA State Wrestling Tournament the past two years.

The players

Gabe Underhill

A standout offensive lineman for the Rockford East High School football team.

Dana Wickson

A two-time state placer for the Rockford East High School wrestling team.

Rockford University

A Division III college located in Rockford, Illinois that Gabe Underhill will be attending.

Minnesota State University

A Division II college located in Mankato, Minnesota that Dana Wickson will be attending.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The signings of Underhill and Wickson demonstrate the strength of Rockford East's athletic programs and their ability to prepare student-athletes for success at the collegiate level, whether in Division II or Division III.