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2015 Scholar Athlete Boys

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Division 1 - Boys


Olin Hacker, Madison West High School – 4.0 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Cross Country – 9, 10, 11, 12

Track & Field – 9, 10, 11

Individual Sports Achievement

Cross Country:  Conference Champion –11, 12

Sectional Champion – 10, 11, 12

State Champion – 11, 12

Track & Field: Conference Champion – 11

Regional Champion – 11

Sectional Champion – 11

State Champion – 11

Team WIAA Success

Cross Country:  Conference Champion – 10, 11, 12

Sectional Champion – 9, 10, 11 12

State Champion – 10, 12

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Cross Country – 3

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Cross Country – 3

Track & Field – 1

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

Spanish Honor Society – 2

Student Support Foundation - 1

Honor Guard – 1

Senior Citizen – 1

Winter Running Club – 4 (President)

Essay

Athletics have been a part of my life as long as I can remember and they have always had a positive impact. Lessons learned through athletics transcend the sport to guide me in all my endeavors now and in the future. The most important of these lessons is success takes planning, hard work and lots of patience. As a freshman, I barely made varsity. As I developed, I made slow, steady improvements over four years of running. I knew that if I wanted to be the best, it would take years of consistent training. So I slowly increasing my training year by year to avoid injury, but yet, maximize immediate goals. I've found no great successes come quickly. To reach the highest levels, you must dedicate yourself to working hard every day for many years. Athletics has brought great people into my life, the most influential being my coach, Tom Kaufman. In my future, I will continue to meet great role models and they will help me grow as an athlete and a person, but I will always aspire to be like my coach and give back to the sport I love. I will want a younger generation to experience running like I have and reap its benefits. As in my past, my future in athletics will continue to be an important part of my life, as it will provide new lessons and opportunities for me to grow and return my good fortune to others.


Alec Ingold, Bay Port High School– 3.59 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Football – 10, 11 12

Wrestling – 9, 10, 11, 12

Individual Sports Achievement

Wrestling: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

Sectional Champion – 10, 11, 12

State Champion – 12

Team WIAA Success

Football: Conference Champion – 12

Regional Champion – 12

Wrestling: Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

Regional Champion – 10, 11, 12

Sectional Champion – 10, 11

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Football – 2

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Football (Offense) – 2

Wrestling – 1

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

DECA Club – 3

Class Officer – 3 (President)

YSL – 3

Essay

Throughout my life I've encountered countless opportunities to learn how to become a better person. A majority of these lessons come through sports and competing. Athletics have taught me a few very important lessons such as how to win with humility, lose with pride, pour my heart and soul into goals, and be an accountable teammate. These lessons are what I credit to giving me the morals in order to be a great son, brother, friend, and I plan on building off of this foundation to become a great husband and father. Sports are the reason competing is my favorite thing to do. I love to find games in everyday events and do my best in them. Whether it’s getting good grades on a test, finding the best music, or doing the dishes as fast as I can, I have the need to compete. Through these competitions I’ve found that I am constantly driving myself to be better than I was yesterday. Success has a lot to do with why I compete. I compete to succeed but not for the scoreboard. After a match or a game I really couldn't care less what the scoreboard reads, high school sports have taught me to compete and drive myself and live with the results afterwards. There will always be more competitions for me to find every day, being happy with my effort and driving myself to be better is what will carry me to where I want to go.


Tom Negaard, Stevens Point Area High School– 3.95 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Cross Country – 10, 11, 12

Swimming & Diving – 9, 10, 11, 12

Tennis – 9, 10

Track & Field – 11

Individual Sports Achievement

Swimming & Diving – Conference Champion/All-Conference First Team  – 11, 12

Swimming & Diving –  Conference Swimmer of the Year - 12

Team WIAA Success

Cross Country – Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11 12

Cross Country – Sectional Champion – 9, 10, 11 12

Cross Country – State Champion – 11

Swimming & Diving – Conference Champion - 10, 11, 12

Tennis – Conference Champion – 9, 10

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Cross Country – 1

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Swimming & Diving – 1

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

National Honor Society – 2

Student Senate – 2

Community Partners – 1

Essay

To say the athletic involvement has defined me is an understatement. It is impossible to imagine my life, or where I would be, without athletics. Through athletics I have been taught life’s most valuable lessons and met the most remarkable people. I learned the value of hard work by running at the state meet cross country meet, after missing the opportunity the year before, through thousands of miles ran during and off season. I experienced the power of goal setting when the thought of a trip to the state swimming meet shoved me from my bed and pushed me into the freezing pool water each seasonal morning. I recognized the importance of tradition when I ran each race with the spirit of those who built the program before me in mind, and when I stained my hair a vibrant white in the name of SPASH swimming. The teachers of these lessons where the people I met through sports. My teammates became my best friends as we worked towards common goals. Coaches saw in me what I could not, and pushed me every day to be my best. My personal value of athletics is incalculable. The experiences and lessons I have learned will continue to benefit me in the future. The values I acquired are universally applicable to any subject area. Athletics have shaped me and I will be reaping the benefits of my involvement for the rest of my life.


Mason Reinhardt, Merrill High School– 4.00 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Football – 11, 12

Wrestling – 9, 10, 11, 12

Baseball – 10, 11

Individual Sports Achievement

Wrestling:  Conference Champion – 10, 12

Regional Champion – 10, 11, 12

Sectional Champion – 12

State Champion – 12

Team WIAA Success

Wrestling:  Conference Champion – 12

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Football – 1

Baseball – 1

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Baseball – 1

Football – Offense – 1

Wrestling – 1

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

Link Crew -1

Octagon Club – 2

Big Brothers – 2

Health Internship – 1

National Honor Society – 2

Make a Difference Day – 2

Optimist of the Month – 1

Relay for Life – 4

Civic & Community Activities

Lifetime Member: St Stephens UCC-Participated in ringing bells for Salvation Army, bingo at Pine Crest Nursing Home with the elderly and various fund raising events. Participated in soup suppers, helping to serve meals, clear tables and kitchen cleanup. Played trumpet at Christmas and Easter services. Member of the Special Singers. Acolyte and Usher responsibilities. I continue to attend church services and enjoy making people smile just by helping them. 4-H/FFA: Lincoln County Fair-Participated in Beef & Swine project classes and showmanship. Won various ribbons and awards throughout 4-H/FFA career including Beginner, Intermediate, & Senior Showman Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion & Junior Beef Integrity Award. I help younger participants to learn more about their projects (active leadership skills). Tornado Cleanup: Helped remove cattle and cleanup debris at Kelly and Phil Natzke farm after barn collapsed with animals trapped inside after 2011 tornado. Cleanup took several months. Lifetime: Family Farm-Raising cattle, learning ins and outs of managing a farm, field work (picking rocks, raking/baling/stacking hay, harvesting crops), learning about genetics/flushing/artificial insemination for future generations of the herd. Merrill High School: Bluejay Stadium-cleanup after home football games for the last four years. Daul Tree Farm: Help with planting and fertilizing trees for past eight years when needed.

Essay

In my four years at Merrill High School I was involved in three sports per year. I believe it is best for an athlete’s body to participate in multiple sports. Each one utilizes different muscles and strategies. I lettered in wrestling, football and baseball multiple times and was team captain for each. Athletics taught me the importance of hard work, dedication and personal character. Personal character defines who a person is and what they stand for. It is critical to the chemistry of a team. The leader’s character can raise the team up or drag them down. In my experience, personal character was paramount. It defines who I am and how people see me. I strive to be all I can be and for the teams I compete for. Whether the football field, baseball diamond, or wrestling mat, I push myself to set an example of excellence in order to raise the spirits of the team. The team captain can change the outcome of a game by their actions or what they say. This comes from their personal character and who they truly are inside. The personal character of a person, like the team captain, is crucial for team spirit. It is said that one person can change the world, and this is no different regarding team spirit. All the team needs is a spark and this ignites a flame. Without personal character, the team can suffer. With it, the sky is the limit!



Division 2 - Boys


Ty DeForest, Marshall High School – 3.75 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Football – 9, 10, 11, 12

Basketball – 11

Baseball – 10

Track & Field – 9, 10, 11

Individual Sports Achievement

Track & Field:  Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11

Regional Champion – 10, 11

Team WIAA Success

Football:  Conference Champion – 9, 10

Basketball:  Conference Champion – 11

Regional Champion – 11

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Football – 4

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Football Offense – 2

Football Defense – 4

Football Special Teams – 2

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

Science Olympiad – 2

Athletic Excellence – 4

Civic & Community Activities

Pals mentor (mentoring at-risk elementary students) -Youth Frontier Group Leader (Led small group of 10th graders in group discussions) -Marshall Area Business Association volunteer at their annual event -Second Harvest Food Bank volunteer worker (sort and package food items to be shipped to food pantries) -Volunteer youth sports official

Essay

Athletic participation taught me how to work hard and never settle or anything less than perfect. I have taken this into school a well as into my social life. Perfection is a very big part of my life and that is all through the participation in athletics.


Benjamin Eidenschink, Nekoosa High School – 4.0 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Cross Country – 9, 10, 11, 12

Track & Field – 9, 10, 11

Individual Sports Achievement

Cross Country:  Conference Champion – 10, 11

Sectional Champion – 11, 12

State Champion – 12

Track & Field:  Conference Champion 9, 10, 11

Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11

Sectional Champion – 11

Team WIAA Success

Cross Country: Conference Champion 9, 10

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Cross Country – 4

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Cross Country – 3

Track & Field – 3

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

National Honor Society – 2 (President

Badger Boys State – 1 (Mayor)

Math League – 1

THANCS – 1

Sunshine Rotary – 1

Civic & Community Activities

Lake Arrowhead Association - Pool Manager Freshman Orientation Mathematics Tutoring Chili for Charity Fundraiser AMS Elroy-Sparta Bike Trip Bell Ringing Neighborhood Table Youth Wrestling (Refereeing) Humke Elementary

Essay

My participation in athletics as a student-athlete has contributed to my development in numerous ways. Participation has built my character throughout the years, and it makes me the person I am today. An example of this can be made with my experience at the 2011 WIAA State Cross Country Championships, which solidified my initiative for success. In my first appearance at state, I learned that success does not discriminate. With only ambition and preparation, my team and I became the WIAA 2011 D2 Team State Runner-up. I developed in understanding that it doesn’t take much other than passion to succeed. Perseverance is all you need to achieve. My athletic participation contributed to my development because it taught me to trust the progression. Patience, whether it be on the course or in the classroom, is key to development. The athletic participation that has contributed to my development will continue to impact my future in a huge way. With the signing of my National Letter of Intent (NLI), it has granted me to the highest level of intercollegiate athletics of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Next year I will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison in a total of three sports: cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field. Already, my development has opened an endless amount of opportunity in my life, and it will only continue to do so. My athletic participation, enabled by the WIAA, has truly contributed and been vital to my development and future.


John Roddick, Sparta High School – 3.84 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Cross Country – 9, 10, 11, 12

Wrestling – 9, 10, 11, 12

Track & Field – 9, 10, 11

Individual Sports Achievement

Wrestling:  Conference Champion – 10, 11, 12

Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

Sectional Champion – 12

Team WIAA Success

Wrestling:  Conference Champion – 11, 12

Regional Champion – 9, 12

Sectional Champion – 9, 12

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Wrestling – 3

Cross Country – 4

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

National Honor Society – 2

DECA – 1

Civic & Community Activities

Community Thanksgiving Dinner volunteer for 4 years - Special Olympics Basketball coach for 4 years - Regular blood donor - Grapplers and Grace fundraiser for Dance team for 2 years - 4-H for 5 years including Adopt a Grandparent, Sunshine Committee, and Roadside garbage pickup. - Active member of his church youth group. - Youth mission trip to New Orleans.

Essay

Participation in athletics has been a major part of my life since my childhood. I was born into an athletic family to a mother who coached cross country and track and a father who coached wrestling. Because of this upbringing and my passion for competition, I have chosen to participate in a variety of sports, and have obtained many life skills along the way. As a lifelong athlete, I have developed an impeccable work ethic, balancing the priorities in my life - school, athletics, family, sleep, nutrition, friends, work, etc.; acquired mental toughness; discovered goal setting; and realized that my competitors can also become great friends. Athletics have taught me how to work with a team and for a team, to stay disciplined, and to persevere through the ups and downs of competition. Through athletic achievement, I have developed leadership qualities, and learned how to be a positive role model both on and off the field. Although I am not the most talented athlete, these qualities have led me to success--six wrestling state qualifications and two cross country state qualifications. The skills that I have gathered through athletic participation have greatly prepared me for my future. I have experience and skills to know I can be successful in anything that I put my mind to. Participation in athletics has made me what I am today.


Zachary R. Whiting, Ashland High School – 4.0 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Soccer – 9, 10, 11, 12

Basketball – 10, 11, 12

Tennis – 9, 10, 11

Individual Sports Achievement

Tennis – Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11

Sectional Champion – 11

Team WIAA Success

Soccer:  Conference Champion – 10, 11

Regional Champion – 10, 11, 12

Sectional Champion – 11

State Champion – 11

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Soccer – 2

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Soccer – 1

Basketball – 1

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

Spanish Club – 4 (President)

Student Council – 1 (Treasurer)

Math Club – 3

National Honor Society – 2 (Vice President)

Link Crew – 2

Civic & Community Activities

Youth Group at Church - Leadership Urban Immersion - service trip Youth Sports - assisted coaching youth soccer and basketball - referee ABC Raceway - volunteer clean up Faith in Action - volunteer work at homes of elderly or disabled Fish and Wild life - volunteer work with fish research Field Improvement Team - volunteer work improving the high school athletic fields National Honor Society - Blood Drive

Essay

Athletics have always played a large role in my life, and I believe that they will continue to play a large role in my future. I have been involved in various sports since a young age through which I have learned many life lessons. Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned from athletics is how to lose. Winning, in the short term, is a more desirable outcome, but I have learned that in the long run I have benefitted much more from my losses. By learning how to motivate myself from losses I will be prepared for setbacks that I encounter in my future. My ability to lead and work with others has also been impacted by my participation in athletics. I have learned how to lead by both encouraging teammates and leading by example. Leadership is an important skill to have and I believe that it will allow me to succeed at whatever profession I chose. One very important mindset that I have learned from athletics is to embrace competition. Avoiding competition means avoiding opportunities, both in and out of the world of athletics. While it is good to be competitive, I have also learned that having good sportsmanship is equally important for not having good sportsmanship also eliminates opportunities. Athletics have taught me how to lose, lead, and be competitive. I believe that these qualities will allow me to succeed in my future.



Boys Division 3


Kal Gerber, Cameron High School – 4.0 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Cross Country – 9, 10, 11, 12

Wrestling – 9, 10, 11, 12

Baseball – 9, 10, 11

Individual Sports Achievement

Wrestling:  Conference Champion – 10, 11, 12

Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

Sectional Champion – 10, 12

State Champion – 10, 11

Team WIAA Success

Wrestling:  Conference Champion – 9, 11, 12

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Cross Country – 3

Baseball – 2

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Cross Country – 3

Wrestling - 4

Baseball – 2

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

Student Council – 4

National Honor Society – 2

FBLA -1

FFA – 1

Pep Band – 1

Civic & Community Activities

Haley's Comet Race Volunteer, Coordinated fund-raiser for the American Heart Association, Youth Wrestling Practice Leader, Youth Baseball Umpire (volunteer), Table worker for youth wrestling events, Served and prepared dinners for Benjamin House Homeless Shelter, Collected Christmas dinner for families in need, Games leader for Youth Vacation Bible School, Assisted Knights of Columbus in roadside cleanup and the county fair, Assisted with packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, Participated in a Shanty Town event to collect items for the food pantry and homeless shelter, Helped with craft and bake sales to raise funds for St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Participated in the H2O Project, helping to raise money to build a well in an undeveloped country.

Essay

In following my passion for athletic competition, I have been able to accomplish much. Although the awards and titles I have received have been very gratifying, I believe the life lessons and character traits that I have developed through athletics, will continue to help me succeed the rest of my life. Through the sweat and pain of practice and conditioning I have learned that hard work pays off, you have to work at everything, including sports, academics and life in general. Through competition, I have learned to show grace and good sportsmanship in winning and losing. I have been taught the importance of being humble, accepted the agony of defeat and experienced the glory of success. To advance to the state tournament multiple times, I learned to be strong, focused and dedicated. I learned about commitment; working hard, even when I was tired or didn’t want to. I learned to prioritize and remain true to my goals. My athletic participation has taught me how to work as part of a team and to develop as a team leader. These experiences, both in winning and losing, have helped me to develop not only as an athlete, but as a person. I have learned to value the life and the strengths I have been given. In the future, I will continue to apply hard work and dedication in my life. I will use the character traits that I have developed through athletics, to help me to further succeed in everything I pursue.


Thomas Schultz, Darlington High School – 4.0 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Cross Country – 9, 10, 11, 12

Basketball – 11, 12

Track & Field – 9, 10, 11

Individual Sports Achievement

Track & Field:  Conference Champion – 10, 11

Regional Champion – 10, 11

Sectional Champion – 10, 11

Team WIAA Success

Cross Country:  Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

Sectional Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

State Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Cross Country – 3

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Cross Country – 1

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

Band – 4 (Section Leader)

Fall/Spring Musical – 4

Math Team – 2

Forensics – 4

LEAD – 4

National Honor Society – 2

Spanish Club – 4

Conference Honors Band – 2 (Section Leader)

Tri-State Honors Band – 2 (Section Leader)

Civic & Community Activities

Boy Scouts - Eagle Scout, Sr. Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Librarian, Bugler, Order of the Arrow Brotherhood Member, National Eagle Scout Assoc. Member Main St. Assoc. "Living Window Display" Cross Country Relay for Life/Manor Visits/ Run Across Wisconsin NHS - Manor Bingo Cinco de Mayo volunteer Optimist Club volunteer Wyalusing 8th grade camp counselor

Essay

Athletics has taught me a great deal about myself and also prepared me for my future. Sports have taught me about hard work, determination, dedication, teamwork, personal goals, overcoming adversity, perseverance, and how to be a leader. Through countless hours on the pavement and the court, I have learned that you only get out of life what you put into it. This is why, when I participate in athletics, I fully dedicate myself and do everything in my power to succeed. I know that, in the end, the results will be worth the pain. Running is a great sport that allows me to set achievable goals. Every second shaved off of a previous time is a small celebration in itself and a cause for pride. The summer before my junior year, I dislocated my knee-cap. During this traumatic experience, all I could concentrate on was my running. I knew that the team was depending on me, and I must persevere for them. The success the team and I experienced the following season showed me that, no matter what, the power inside of you can conquer any challenge ahead of you. Athletics has also taught a great deal about leadership. Bosses can make people work, but only leaders can make people want to work, and work their hardest. This is the kind of leader that I have striven to be. Athletics has affected me in countless ways. The life lessons and the memories, I will carry far into the future.


Christian Pillath, Coleman High School – 3.56 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Football – 10, 11, 12

Wrestling – 9, 10, 11, 12

Track & Field – 9, 10, 11

Individual Sports Achievement

Wrestling:  Conference Champions – 10, 11

Regional Champion – 11, 12

Track & Field:  Conference Champions – 10, 11

Regional Champion – 10, 11

Team WIAA Success

Football Conference Champion – 12

Wrestling:  Conference Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

Sectional Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

State Champion – 9, 11

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Football – 1

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Wrestling – 1

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

Class Officer – 2 (Treasurer)

FFA – 4 (Treasurer, Sentinel)

Civic & Community Activities

Fundraising for Veteran's Day Leadership food drive Leadership Christmas drive for less fortunate Refereeing youth football Raking leaves ta school park FFA--running Haunted trail for Halloween Score-keeping and officiating youth wrestling tournaments FFA food stand at County Fair FFA tree sale Camp Bird counselor

Essay

Athletic involvement has not only influence me as a person or a leader, but has helped me in my own personal development. Just being part of athletics has helped me stay focused academically and has helped me keep good morals. Raised by my grandparents, sports and school were two things that were pushed hard in our house. Being a part of three successful varsity teams, my confidence on and off the grass, mat, or throwing ring, has increased exponentially. Athletics has also given me a stronger faith in God, as well as bringing me closer to family and friends. Wherever I decide to attend college, I plan to join an athletic team. With good grades, morals, and leadership skills; athletics is something I intend on pursuing. Being a part of three successful varsity teams will help me build a good resume for my future. My dream, after college, is to become a high school biology teacher, but I also plan on giving back to athletics by coaching. I want to coach so I can give athletes opportunities to build their own resume for success.


Nathaniel Tranel, Lancaster High School – 3.61 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Football – 9, 10, 11, 12

Basketball – 10, 11, 12

Baseball – 9, 10, 11

Team WIAA Success

Football:  Conference Champions – 9, 10, 11, 12

Regional Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

Sectional Champion – 9, 10, 11, 12

State Champion – 12

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Football – 2

Basketball – 2

Baseball – 2

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Football (Offense) – 2

Basketball – 2

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

Student Council – 3

School play – 2

Forensics – 2

State Forensics – 2

SDPE Swim Helper – 1

Concert Choir – 3

Chamber Singers – 3

Cabaret – 3

Leo Club – 1 (President)

Civic & Community Activities

Volunteer for youth sports programs -- Baseball, Basketball, Football Church Group/United Methodist Church Volunteer with local veterans Volunteer at Kids Courtyard

Essay

Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play." -- Mike Singletary I have been extremely lucky to have been able to play sports. When I was younger, I struggled in school due to having speech issues and multiple ear infections. Even at that time, sports were an outlet for me. To play sports, I knew I had to work hard in school. Sports taught me patience, humility, and perseverance. I started playing baseball in first grade. I also got to play with several traveling teams from Lancaster, Fennimore and Dubuque, Iowa when I was in middle and high school. Basketball started in third grade. I also played AAU with SWAG and Wisconsin Dynasty. I played football ever since I was in kindergarten on the playground at recess. I started full pads in fifth grade and I was in heaven!!!! Playing for all these different teams I really got a chance to get to know a lot of other people and have made lifelong friends. My sophomore year in high school, I was in a fatal car accident where one of my friends was killed and four of us were seriously injured. I missed six weeks of basketball and had to work hard in able to play again. I was able to work my way back through the pain and mental anguish. Having basketball and my team really helped me cope and relieve anger and stress. I always see myself as involved with sports in some way. I plan on playing football at Minnesota State Mankato. Being part of a team and knowing I can count on my teammates is something I value. In short, I don't feel I would be the person I am today without athletics.



Boys Division 4


Jacob Jurss, Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School – 3.56 GPA 

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Cross Country – 9, 10, 11, 12

Basketball – 9, 10, 11, 12

Team WIAA Success

Cross Country:  Conference Champions – 10, 11

Sectional Champions – 10, 11, 12

Basketball:  Conference Champions – 9, 11

Regional Champions – 9, 10, 11, 12

Sectional Champions – 9, 11

State Champions – 9

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Cross Country – 3

Basketball – 2

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Cross Country – 3

Basketball – 1

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

Pep Club – 4

National Honor Society – 2

Tutoring – 3

Special Olympics – 4

Basketball Camp Counselor – 4

Essay

Through WIAA athletics I have learned much about hard work, determination, and respect. I have participated in Basketball and Cross Country in all four years of my high school career. I have learned many life lessons through athletics, have increased my knowledge and skill in these sports, and have grown in my leadership abilities through the many opportunities I have been given. I have been able to grow both as an individual and as an athlete through countless hours of working out in the gym and running in the off-season. Hard work is not only present in the gym. The same work ethic that I strive for in athletics has also carried over into the classroom. I strive to do the best work I am capable of, to communicate effectively with others, and to demonstrate leadership in every situation that I find myself in. Through practice, determination, and many varied experiences, I have learned to display a great amount of respect for others and myself. My participation in athletics has helped instill a desire in me to take on the future challenge of Urban Elementary Education. As an educator, I want to teach children both in the classroom and on the basketball court. I can use athletics to teach students the same lessons of hard work, determination, and respect that I have valued throughout my high school career. I look forward to continuing my passion for participation and leadership in athletics along with teaching these skills to future athletes.


Collin McCarville, Port Edwards High School – 4.0 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Football – 9, 10, 11, 12

Basketball – 10, 11, 12

Baseball – 9, 11

Team WIAA Success

Basketball:  Conference Champions – 11, 12

Regional Champion – 12

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Football – 2

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Football (Offense) – 2

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

Student Council – 4 (President)

National Honor Society – 3 (President)

Drama Club – 4 (President)

Class Officer – 4 (President)

Math League – 4 (Captain)

Badger Boys State – 1 (Treasurer)

LeaderCast – 1

All Conference Academic – 1

Youth Rotary – 1

Civic & Community Activities

Civic Activities --Summer Job --Jacob Searls Cranberry Company- full time in the summer -Summer Laborer- lawn/weed care, cleaning equipment, preparing equipment for harvest season --During School Year and Summer -Managing three lawns around Port Edwards -Lawn-mowing, raking, shoveling, various odd jobs --Hobbies -Recreational Sports -Golf, Tennis, Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, Wake Boarding, Beach Volleyball, Running -Family Activities -Going Up-North, Going on Vacation, Playing Board/Card Games, Playing Sports ---Community Service Activities --YMCA Lead High School Volunteer Recruiter/ Volunteer -Referee flag football and basketball, Dance DJ, Race Volunteer, Haunted House Scarer -In full: 170 Hours --Teen Fireworks Committee -Fundraising (Calling companies and asking for donations), Attending meetings, Event planning, and day of 4th of July -Over the course of 2 years- 50 hours --Student Council Community Activities -Fun Fest, Lake Arrowhead Events, Blood Drives, Teacher’s Assistant, Water Machine, Homecoming -175 Hours over high school career --National Honors Society Activities -Fundraising for missions, planning for and performing events such as Bowlathon and Spaghetti Dinners -50 Hours since inducted

Essay

For my entire life, I have always loved the idea of sports. Whether playing them competitively or recreationally, they never fail to bring a smile to my face. I’m not sure what exactly it is about team sports that appeal to me so much-- the family-like atmosphere, the amount of strategy behind every play, or the precision that it takes to execute every action—but one thing is for sure, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play such amazing sports with such great groups of people. Every single day, I strive to better myself in the categories of leadership and character; sports present me with an opportunity by not only encouraging these characteristics, but challenging them on a daily basis. It is those same traits that bring about the important ideals of sportsmanship and success within a team and above that, a school and community. Overall, I wouldn’t trade a moment on the field or court for anything else in the world; from running sprints in practice, to throwing a game-winning touchdown pass, I will miss it all. Even though my competitive days of playing sports are over, because of my great experiences with them, I will never hesitate to play.


Bryce Niemi, Owen-Withee High School, 3.99 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Football – 9, 10, 11, 12

Basketball – 10, 11, 12

Track & Field – 9, 10, 11

Team WIAA Success

Football:  Conference Champions – 10, 11

Regional Champion – 12

Sectional Champion – 12

State Champion – 12

Basketball:  Conference Champions – 11

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Football – 2

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Football (Offense) – 2

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

Jazz Band – 4

Drama – 4

Forensics – 3

Class Officer – 4 (President)

Student Council – 4

FCA – 4 (Co-President)

Letterman’s Club – 4 (Secretary)

National Honor Society – 2

FFA – 1

Civic & Community Activities

St. John's Lutheran Church Youth Group - working at dinners, providing music at youth services, taught Vacation Bible School, mowing the church lawn Woodgrove Workers 4-H - Vice-President, helped at Easter Egg Hunt and Santa Day, worked in Owen Junior Fair and Clark County Fair Foodstand Clark County 4-H Camp Counselor (2014) Playing TAPS at military funerals and Veteran's and Memorial Day services Youth basketball coach - O-W Future Hawks - 2-4th graders School Community Service Day (2011-14) Conducted fundraising games for O-W Lions club at Withee Days celebrations

Essay

Participating in athletics has made me into a leader, not only within our athletic programs but also my school and community. Anyone can be named a team captain, but it takes specific qualities to become a leader. Learning how to communicate, whether it is with a coach, teammate, parent, boss or co-worker. I also learned how vital it is to make everyone aware of their importance. Although the manager has a modest role on the team, he may not know how appreciated he is unless someone tells him, just as it is imperative to let your parents know how much you value them. Lastly, I learned the importance of humility and sharing success with those around you. There should never be any 'me' moments when speaking of achievement; give credit where credit is due. Likewise, organizations do not operate successfully without clear leaders, and relationships cannot be maintained without communication. Just as a basketball team cannot step onto the court without all five players on the same page, a medical clinic cannot function without communication between the staff, patients, families, and all others involved. I will use these leadership qualities learned from athletics within my future family, community, and place of work. Although I hope to accomplish great things, I know that I cannot achieve anything by myself, as it takes the support and effort of many others, my future "team."


Alex Stevenson, De Soto High School – 4.0 GPA

Varsity Letters Earned by Grade

Football – 10, 11, 12

Basketball – 10, 11, 12

Track & Field – 10, 11

Individual Sports Achievement

Track & Field:  Conference Champion – 10, 11

Regional Champion – 11

Team WIAA Success

Football:  Conference Champion – 11

Times Named to All-Conference First Team

Football – 2

Basketball – 2

Times Named to Varsity Sport MVP

Football (Offense) – 1

Football (Defense) – 1

Years Involved in Co-Curricular Activities

FFA – 3

Student Activity Council – 2

Biology Club – 2

Wellness Club – 1

Assembly Committee – 3

National Honor Society – 3

Civic & Community Activities

Food Server, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Genoa, WI (2011-present) Served food at annual steak fry. Game Supervisor, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Genoa, WI (2010-present) Supervised carnival games at Annual Spring Carnival and 4th of July picnic. Gardner, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Genoa, WI (2010-present) Assisted in the construction of parish garden and in the upkeep of parish garden. Watermelon Harvester, DHS Farm to School Program, De Soto, WI (2012) Harvested watermelon for school lunches. Vegetable Processor, DHS Farm to School Program, De Soto, WI (2012) Prepared vegetables for school lunches. Monster, Ferryville Fire Department, Ferryville, WI (2013) Hid on a haunted trail and scared patrons Setup/Canteen Worker, Red Cross, De Soto, WI (2013-present) Assisted in the setup of the De Soto High School Blood drive; ensured donor wellness. Registration Booth Supervisor, Lifetouch, De Soto, WI (2014) Distributed identification cards to students for school pictures at De Soto High School registration. Picket Fence Constructor, Vernon County Historical Society, De Soto, WI (2015) Assisted in the cutting of picket fence pieces. Youth Basketball Coach, De Soto Youth Basketball Program, De Soto, WI (2015) Assisted in the coaching of 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders.

Essay

When I began High School, I was a new student to De Soto, I had not attended school at De Soto middle school. Coming from a different school I had known a few of my classmates, but I barely knew any of the upperclassmen. Participating in sports helped me form strong friendships with my classmates, as well as from new bonds with upperclassmen. But, Sports do many other things besides build lifelong friendships. Sports teach things such as hard work and leadership skills. However, I feel that the most important thing that sports can do for a person is reveal their true character. John Wooden once said, “sports do not build character, sports reveal character.” I truly believe, the most important contribution that sports have made to my life is the revelation of what my true character is. As I started to develop through high school, the combination of school and sports helped me figure out what my desired direction is in life, and sports have given me the life skills necessary to successfully pursue my life goals.