The Hardy Performing Arts Center at Cambridge-Isanti High School was the gathering place for a number of people on Thursday, May 2.
In the audience were parents, family members and friends of 13 seniors who took the stage to sign national letters of intent.
Those 13 Bluejackets signed to continue their sports careers at the college level.
Here is a closer look at those 13 athletes.
Erin Baker
St. Benedict, Tennis & Track
Parents: Tim and Kelly Baker.
Why did you choose St. Benedict? “My older sister went to St. Ben’s, and I’ve always known that I wanted to go there. I’ve been around it a lot of my life, and when I toured there, I knew it was where I wanted to go. I felt the most ‘at home’ there. I kind of knew.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “It was super fun – I was super excited that everyone could be here. I felt really supported by everyone here. I had a friend drive here from Wisconsin to be here, and my sister drove from Wisconsin to be here. I felt overwhelmed and loved.”
Who would you like to thank? “My mom and dad, and my two sisters, Emily and Sarah. And I thank all of my coaches in all of my sports.”
Connor Bickford
Minn.-Morris, Cross Country
Parents: Jeremy and Kate Bickford.
Why did you choose Minnesota-Morris? “I had been there multiple times, and they had everything I was looking for in a college. My brother goes there, and he had good reviews on it. I had heard lots of good things about it. When I talked to their coach, we gelled. They just checked all the boxes.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “I’m really excited and really happy that everyone came out to join us.”
Who would you like to thank? “I want to thank my parents: I wouldn’t be here without them. I thank all of my cross country coaches for their help. And I thank my track coaches; I appreciate all of my coaches.”
Caden Chesla
Wisconsin-Superior, Tennis
Parents: Jacob and Susan Chesla.
Why did you choose Wisconsin-Superior? “I really liked campus; it’s small in size. I met the coach, and he was super nice. He was excited to give me an opportunity, and I am excited to play there.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “It was all excitement. I didn’t know what to expect coming in here, but it was easier than I thought it would be.”
Who would you like to thank? “I’d like to thank my parents, and I thank Superior for giving me a chance. And I thank all of my tennis coaches here at Cambridge-Isanti.”
Leo Edblad
St. Cloud State, Wrestling
Parents: David and Bonnie Edblad.
Why did you choose St. Cloud State? “They have a history of succeeding and producing well-rounded athletes there. I want to be a national champ, and I think that is the best place to go there and do that.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “It’s bittersweet. It’s nice to have everyone in my family here supporting me, because I have a good support system.”
Who would you like to thank? “I especially thank my parents, because they brought me to practice since I was in kindergarten. I thank my entire family for supporting me, pretty much through every tournament I was in. It was great to see them there. And I thank my friends for coming here today and supporting me.”
Carley Halstensgard
Coe College, Soccer
Parents: John and Christel Halstensgard.
Why did you choose Coe College? “I chose Coe because of the atmosphere. It’s a small school that’s far enough away from home to let me be independent and grow there. The coaches are really great, and it’s a growing program. When I toured there, I just loved it; the other girls committing to Coe are great, and I love them, too.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “This was bittersweet. I’m kind of excited to get out of here, I’m going to miss my family and all of my coaches and my teammates. They’re a big part of who I am and how I grew up. But I’m also thankful to get a chance to play my sport at the next level.”
Who would you like to thank? “I thank all of my coaches, and since I do soccer, basketball and track, I have a lot of coaches to thank. And I thank my parents for their support. And I thank my friends for lifting me up when times weren’t so great. I think I could thank everybody!”
James Harcey
St. Scholastica, Football
Parents: Erick and Sondra Harcey.
Why did you choose St. Scholastica? “Because of the program: It’s a really good program, and I see myself succeeding there. And by ‘program,’ I mean the football program and the business program, which is my major.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “I knew I was committed, so this was the finalizing of that commitment.”
Who would you like to thank? “I’d like to thank my parents, my coaches and my brothers for pushing me and supporting me.”
Haylie Jerde
Wisconsin-Superior, Basketball
Parents: Ken and Dawn Jerde.
Why did you choose Wisconsin-Superior? “I chose Superior because it felt like home. It’s a nice little campus, and I love the team and the coaches. Everything about it just felt perfect for me.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “I’m so excited. I know it’s going to be a big change, so I’m kind of scared about that. But right now I’m happy and excited. This is a big deal for me.”
Who would you like to thank? “I thank everyone in my family, and I thank my trainers at Verve Basketball – they helped me a lot. I thank my coaches, and I thank all of my friends, because I have a big support system.”
Addison Nelson
Concordia-St. Paul, Track
Parents: Ron and Angie Nelson.
Why did you choose Concordia? “I chose Concordia because I really liked the campus and really liked the environment. I can picture myself going there for the next four years. It’s a really nice place to be.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “Definitely bittersweet. It’s leaving everything behind, but I’m super-excited to start fresh.”
Who would you like to thank? “I would like to thank my family, my friends and my coaches. I couldn’t have done this without them. And for that I’m so very grateful.”
Seth Peterson
North Dakota State College of Science, Football
Parent: Maggie Peterson.
Why did you choose ND State College of Science? “I have someone I know who is going there, so I had a way in. I think I can play there, and I can transfer out after two years.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “It’s a lot. No one in my family has graduated since my grandparents, so this means a lot. I’m really excited for it.”
Who would you like to thank? “I just want to thank my coaches. I appreciate everything they’ve done for me.”
Blake Ramlet
Wisconsin-River Falls, Football
Parents: Dan and Emily Ramlet.
Why did you choose Wisconsin-River Falls? “Mostly for the football program, but for the school in general as well. I love the coaches, and I love the players there. The feel of the school overall is hard not to like.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “This was pretty exciting. I didn’t know what to expect. But it was pretty cool – and to see where everyone else is going was pretty cool, too.”
Who would you like to thank? “I thank my parents, of course, for feeding me the past few years – that wasn’t cheap, that’s for sure. And I definitely thank all of my coaches.”
Sophia Schwappach
Northwest Iowa Community College, Soccer
Parent: Nicky Schwappach.
Why did you choose Northwest Iowa CC? “I chose my school because they have an amazing nursing program. I like the coach; he seems very committed to soccer. It’s a first-year program, so it was nice that he showed up [to see me].”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “I was a little nervous when I got here, but now I’m happy and excited for the opportunity that I have. I didn’t want to play soccer in college until my coach here reached out to me to talk. This is such a great opportunity, so I’m both nervous and excited.”
Who would you like to thank? “I thank my soccer coaches, especially coach [Tyler] Hayft, because he pushed me to my limits, even when I didn’t want to be pushed at all. I thank my mom and my stepdad and my whole family. And I thank my friends for helping me, both in and out of season, with anything I needed.”
Isabelle Sullivan
Northwestern-St. Paul, Tennis
Parents: James and Amy Sullivan.
Why did you choose Northwestern-St. Paul? “I went to Northwestern a number of times, and I’ve done tennis camps there. The atmosphere is always so welcoming, and everyone is so kind and joyful. That’s an atmosphere that I want to be a part of, so I’m excited for my next chapter.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “It’s definitely a bittersweet moment. I’ve been playing tennis for so long, so it’s exciting to look ahead. But it’s also bittersweet to look back. I’m excited for the next chapter.”
Who would you like to thank? “I’d like to thank my parents. My dad coached me when I was in middle school, so a big thank you to him. And my thanks to all of my coaches; they really helped me become the player I am today.”
Landon Weinmann
Wisconsin-River Falls, Football
Parents: Derek and Stefanie Weinmann.
Why did you choose Wisconsin-River Falls? “I chose River Falls because they have a great football program. They have wonderful coaching. And the community is awesome.”
What are your emotions on Signing Day? “I was a little nervous. Now I’m very happy; I’m excited to move on and continue my football career and education.”
Who would you like to thank? “I would like to thank my parents; they are my biggest supporters, and they helped me through everything to get me where I needed to be today. They pushed me, and they helped me reach the point where I am at now.”
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