National Signing Day Goes Virtual

Many students at HHS look forward to packing the bleachers of the gym and cheering on their fellow classmates as they celebrate one of the highlights of their athletic careers. 

Unfortunately, this year looked very different. The bleachers were empty and the celebration was minimal, but students still found a way to enjoy their big day. 

On Nov. 11,  student athletes across the country signed their National Letter of Intent (NLI), which is a document that signifies the commitment to participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). 

“I have always wanted to have a commitment to a sport like my sister did and everyone else that signed. I knew I wanted to continue athletics into college, so when I signed today it was just amazing,” said Ben Haberman, senior. 

HHS had nine students sign their NLI, including Haberman, who will be participating in the cross country program at Augustana University.  

“I just wanted to make sure my family was there to watch me sign, so my parents and family were all on Facetime,” Haberman said. “Also, posting on social media was another way I could celebrate the occasion!”

The other student athletes that signed were, Tori Turgeon, senior, Skya Favor, senior, Jake Perry, senior, Ryan McGie, senior, Americo Sculati, senior, Luke Nordean, senior, George Jackson, senior, and Josie Fieldman, senior. 

Four members of the baseball team will be continuing their careers, as Nordean and McGie head to North Iowa Area Community College, Sculati will be attending University of Minnesota-Crookston, and Perry will be playing at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Turgeon will be playing softball at Gustavus Adolphus, and Favor will take her volleyball talents to Colorado College. 

Jackson will be participating in the track and field program at the University of Kansas, and Fieldman will be playing soccer at North Dakota State University. 

Another signing day will take place on Feb. 3, 2021, where more student athletes will have the chance to make their commitment official.