Pictured front row (left to right):  Rachel Kelly (track, Coe College, IA), Erica Kelly (track, Upper Iowa University), Jack Lamb (track, University of Mary, ND), Tori Ritter, (diving, University of Cincinnati, OH), Joe Bove (tennis, Lake Forest College, IL), Justin Hunter (football, University of Oregon), Brickelle Bro (swimming, Stanford University, CA), Ellie Rich (volleyball, University of Bridgeport, CT), Heather Jordan (swimming, California Polytechnic State University); not pictured, Bryce Dietz (baseball, California Lutheran University).

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS

Ten student athletes signed letters of intent to play their sport at the next level as part of a spring signing day at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) on May 12.  Of the ten athletes who signed, four live in 80108:

Joe Bove will be playing tennis at Lake Forest College in Illinois.  Coach Gonzales said, “Joe was one of the most dedicated players I have ever coached.  He also was a great teammate.  As he got older, he not only got better, but expected his teammates to get better as well.  He kept them on task and really unified the team like a leader should do.  Aside from his great leadership qualities, I think his best quality as a student athlete is his humility.  Joe also did an excellent job as tennis manager for the girls team and I could always depend on him.”
 
Brickelle Bro will be swimming at Stanford University in California.  Coach Vanderpoel said, “Brickelle completely took Colorado high school swimming by storm and has earned the respect of teammates, coaches and all who know her.  She approaches every race with ferocity and is incredibly disciplined while maintaining her wonderful smile, humility and grace.  Besides having a 4.1 GPA, being a member of the Colorado Academic All State Team all 4 years, she is a paralympian who has medaled at not only the paralympics in London in 2012, but also set a world record in the 1000 freestyle at Para Pan-Pacs in 2014.  Brickelle is a hero among us and she will continue to achieve great things at Stanford University and at all of her competitions for Team USA.”  

Justin Hunter will be playing football at the University of Oregon.  Coach Brian Lamb said, “Justin is the type of player that every coach loves to have.  He is an extremely dedicated worker, received all conference recognition for both offensive and defensive line, and he achieved a 3.9 GPA with a 34 ACT score.  Justin is one of our best leaders and the University of Oregon is lucky to get such a fine young man.”

Heather Nicole Jordan will be swimming at California Polytechnic State University.  Coach Vanderpoel said, “Nicole (she goes by her middle name) is a team captain, continental league champion in the 500 freestyle and a 5A state finalist in the 100 breast stroke and relays, in addition to being a  member of the Colorado Academic All State Team all 4 years.  As a captain, Nicole led the team by example, giving pep talks before meets, cheering for her teammates, and shaking the hands of her competitors after meets.  She became a role model to all of our 75 high school girl swimmers.”