Savannah Oen signed to continue her education and play softball Saginaw Valley State University.
Wapakoneta’s Don Goodes will continue his education and baseball career at Virginia Military Institute.
her father Rob (seated left), her mother Christine and Ohio Lasers Blue Head Coach Tony Gunter (standing)
Defiance’s Caroline Turner has signed her national letter-of-intent to continue her education and softball career at the University of Findlay.
St. Marys’ 6’3” senior guard Derek Jay has committed to attend Calvin College next fall to continue his academic and basketball careers. Jay, a four-year varsity starter, has broken or tied 11 different Memorial High School basketball records while playing for the Roughriders. He holds school records in such categories as Points Career, 3 Pt. FG’s Career, 3 Pt. FG% Career, FT% Career, etc. In the OHSAA Basketball State Record Book, he finished his career ranked 7th in All-Time Career FT% and 20th in All-Time Career 3 PT%. Academically, Jay carries a 4.7 GPA and will graduate as the valedictorian of his senior class.
According to Jay, “I chose Calvin because the school fits me in so many different ways. From challenging academics, to a sincere Christian environment, to an elite basketball program, Calvin definitely met what I was looking for.”
Calvin College is an NCAA Division III school that is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Calvin has nearly 4,000 total students enrolled on campus and is a Christian institution that is closely partnered with the Christian Reformed Church. Calvin was also recently ranked as the “#1 Midwest Regional College” by U.S. News and World Report for the overall quality of the school. Jay is planning to major in a medical- related field while an undergraduate at Calvin.
The basketball program at Calvin has a long tradition of success in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) and in NCAA Division III as well. Head Coach Kevin Vande Streek just completed his 21st year at Calvin and has won over 500 games in his coaching career including more than 400 of those with Calvin. He has 9 MIAA titles, 10 NCAA tournament trips, 2 Final Fours, and an NCAA National Championship (2000) on his coaching resume. This past season, the Knights were 17-11 overall and won the MIAA Conference Tournament Championship, which qualified them for the NCAA Division III National Tournament.
The Knights play their home games in Van Noord Arena which seats 5,000 and became the largest gymnasium in all of NCAA Division III basketball when it opened in 2009. They are routinely at or near the top of NCAA Division III total season attendance for home basketball games.
Celina’s Melody Donovan signed to play softball with Spring Arbor University.
Shawnee’s Ian Hasting signed to play golf at Alderson Broaddus University.
Shawnee’s Alyssa Miller signed to play volleyball at Rhodes State College.
Shawnee’s Noah Curl signed to swim at Malone College.
Celina’s Stephanie Walter signed to play softball at the University of Northwestern Ohio.
Wapakoneta’s Charlie Sutton signed to swim for Ashland University. Charlie owns 9 of the 11 school records in swimming and has been the WBL Champion in the 50, 100, and 200 Freestyle, the 200 Freestyle Relay and the 200 Medley Relay. This season, Charlie was the District Champion in the 50 and 100 Freestyle and finished 4th in the state in both events, and was part of the 200 Freestyle Relay that finished 6th and the 400 Freestyle Relay that finished 8th.
Wapakoneta’s Sierra Sammons will continue her education and play golf at Capital University.
Celina’s Caelyn Reineke will continue her education and play soccer at Capital University.
Elida’s Tristan Edwards will continue his education and play football for Trine University.
Celina’s Braden Conn signed to play soccer at The University of Saint Francis.
Van Wert’s Nolan Smith signed to play football with Wayne State University.
Was a four-year letterwinner for coach Keith Recker … voted to the All-Western Buckeye League First Team as a senior as well as co-Offensive Lineman of the Year in the conference … selected to the 2015 Tri-County All-Dream Team … named to the 2015 Associated Press Division IV All-State Special Mention Team … also wrestled for the Cougars.
Coach Winters on Nolan Smith: “Nolan played for coach Keith Recker at Van Wert High School in Ohio. He is very athletic for his size, which is the first thing we look for in our offensive line. Nolan is a young man who has the agility to get out and block for our sweep and the toughness and strength to block our power play. We also feel that with his quick feet and ability to punch, Nolan will become an excellent pass protector. We are extremely pleased to add Nolan Smith to our offensive line!”
Elida’s Logan Alexander will continue his education and play football at the University of Mount Union.
Van Wert’s Gavin Gardner signed to play football at the University of Saint Francis.
Van Wert’s Gavin Cross signed to play football with Ashland University.
Earned honorable mention All-Northwest District and second-team All-Western Buckeye League honors…A two-time varsity letter winner in both football and basketball.
Van Wert’s Tryston Cowan will continue his education and play football for Bluffton University.
Wapakoneta’s Corey Crawford signed to play football with the University of Findlay.
Bio Information: Was voted first team all-Ohio…Earned Western Buckeye League honors for Offensive Lineman and Defensive Lineman of the Year…Earned first team all-league honors…Was a first team all-district pick.