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The Central Lake senior, who runs cross country and track for the Trojans, found out on Thursday that he'd been accepted to attend the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

"I just got home from Paris (France, not Michigan)," he said, "and the envelope was on the table."

Haydell will get a free education out of the deal.

"The Navy pays for all the tuition," he said, "and I get a stipend just like in a regular job." After graduation, Haydell will be required to spend at least five years in the Navy.

The Naval Academy has a cross country and track team, but Haydell isn't sure if he'll compete for the Midshipmen.

"I mostly do track for fun and fitness," he said, "and the physical training there (at the Academy) is pretty intense anyway. I'd like to do some club sports."

Make no mistake, however, Haydell is most excited about the academic rigor of the Academy. He said he felt that he hasn't really been challenged in his academic career thus far, but all that should change once he gets to Annapolis.

"I hope the Navy will whip me into shape and challenge me," he said.

With that goal in mind, Haydell has carved out an impressive course of study for himself. "I plan on majoring in physics," he said. But that's not all - "If they let you do a double major," he continued, "I'd also major in aeronautical engineering."

When asked why he wasn't picking anything difficult, Haydell just chuckled.

Haydell said he "doesn't know yet" how his long-term career plans will shape up, but he said that he'd "like to work on nuclear fusion."

And if all that still doesn't give him the buzz he's looking for?

"I'd like to do the SEALs," he said. "That might be fun."