To celebrate February’s National Signing Day, 14 Kennedy athletes committed to continuing their athletic and academic careers in college. 

National signing day is when a high school athlete signs a national letter of intent to the college or university they plan to attend and compete for. It represents the end of a long-term recruiting process and is a special moment for athletes and their families. 

Out of the 14 seniors who signed on Feb. 1, five of them committed to Coe College. For football, Asher Smith, Ian Wick for football and Aiden Wick all chose to attend Coe. Lucas Dolphin, bowler, and Lynice Perkins, a 4-year varsity swimmer, also committed to Coe College. 

“Me committing to Coe was kind of unexpected,” Perkins said. “It made me realize how strong and passionate I was about swimming. My family was also in shock that I had the desire to pursue this even out of high school and I know they are incredibly proud.”

Coe College is an NCAA Division III college located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The swim team has been successful this season, recently defeating Simpson College in a Season Dual Meet and the team is competing in the American River’s Conference Swim and Dive Championships from Feb. 16-18. 

“I’m so incredibly excited to swim for Coe next year,” Perkins said. “New team, new friends and I’m so excited that my high school coach will be my college coach. Chad and I have a great bond with one another, his words of encouragement have always made me do my best. ”

The other eight Cougar athletes committed as follows—Ariana Chesmore to Hawkeye CC for bowling. Ainsley Rulli to DMACC for softball. Lillian Prahm to Ellsworth CC for softball. Colby Dolphin to Kirkwood CC for basketball. Miles Wilson to the University of Iowa for cross country. Carter Newhouse to Central College for soccer. Donovan Slick-Driscoll to Wartburg College for football. Ryker Sterling to UW Platteville for football. Micheal Mulherin to Upper Iowa for football.