As seniors begin to close the chapter on their high school careers, nine more Clarkston students are ready for their next step.
Nine Clarkston athletes signed their letters of intent last Thursday with plans to continue lacrosse or football at college.
After becoming state champions with the varsity football team, Jason McCowan and Blake Rehahn will lend their skills and talent to Adrian College.
“I am very relieved,” said Rehahn, who plans on studying physical therapy. “I visited a lot of schools that is why I signed so late – I visited 25 schools. I am glad I chose Adrian because it was the best spot for me.”
“I feel amazing,” smiled McCowan, who will be Rehahn’s roommate as he studies athletic training. “It is something I have wanted to do my whole life. To finally be able to accomplish it is surreal.Adrian made me feel welcomed. It was someplace I could see myself.”
Continuing on in lacrosse are Scott Allen, club at Michigan State University; Gavin Bertram, University of Massachusetts; Connor Dziewit, Otterbein University; Kirsten Isbell, Albion College; Reid Kaminski, Roanoke College; Ethan Kurolovech, Lourdes University; and Connor Ward, Lake Erie College.
Isbell will also study physical therapy and chose Albion after touring the campus and talking to the lacrosse coach.
“I wanted to play lacrosse so it was a deal right there for me,” she smiled. “I am really excited.”
Kaminski chose to continue to play lacrosse over football because it was more his passion.
“It is something I feel is a big part of my life,” he said as he prepares to study pre-medicine and biochemistry. “Roanoke has a really nice community and a really nice setting. It is a place I feel like I can make an impact and we can compete for a national championship.”
Kurolovech, who just received his Native American card, has played since fourth grade and felt good about signing to Lourdes to study athletic training.
“Lourdes was close to home and I seemed to fit with the team and the close,” he said. “It feels good to be playing at the next level.”
Allen grew up as a Michigan State fan so receiving an opportunity to play for them worked out perfectly.
“I couldn’t ask for anything better,” he said, adding he plans to study business. “I am really excited to be signing.”
Teammate Dziewit will also study business as he heads to Otterbein.
“I feel really good,” he smiled. “It brings a new era of excitement. I can’t wait. It’s a new start.”
Bertram, going into business, was drawn to the University of Massachusetts because it was a new program and he has an opportunity to make an impact early.
“I love the coaches,” he said. “Both were welcoming and very kind.”
Though he was only with Clarkston for a year, he added the program helped him out.
“It really taught me discipline,” he added. “It helped me physically because we do a lot of pre-season training. It taught me a lot about family and just being together.
Ward enjoyed what Lake Erie had to offer in the program and the campus when he visited.
“All the boxes got checked,” he said, adding he will study something in biology or pre-medicine.
“I would like to thank the community for their support and definitely the coaches and parents,” McCowan said as he prepares to leave for college.
Rehahn agreed, also thanking the community.
The seniors graduate on June 2 at DTE Energy Music Theatre, 6:30 p.m.
*Please see this week’s edition, May 21, for photos from the signing.*