SOLON — At various times throughout the year high school student athletes will sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) to continue their athletic endeavors during their college career. Seven Solon High School seniors (Anna Quillin, Rylen Stiegelmeyer, Kate Richards, Bryan Petrie, Autumn Griffith, Sparty (Josh Milliman), and Grant Bumsted) signed a formal Letter of Intent or a symbolic LOI during a Signing Day event last Thursday in the Center for the Fine Arts.
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) National Letter of Intent signings must be accompanied by an official offer of an athletic scholarship and lead to a commitment by the athlete to attend for at least one full academic year. NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) schools, on the other hand, can issue a Letter of Intent to an athlete but do not have to include an offer of a scholarship. NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) schools however, do not require, recognize, or even acknowledge a letter of intent (hence, a “symbolic LOI”).
Anna Quillin – Wartburg College, cross country
“I really liked the school and the coaches were really inviting,” said Quillin. “They have a really great program there and I felt it was a place I could feel at home.” Quillin will study marketing.
“Being able to coach her and watch her grow as a runner and a leader has been a privilege,” said cross country coach Emy Williams. “She’s somebody who, maybe when she was younger, didn’t know if she was going to do sports, but has really been a huge role player not only in cross country and track, but also in basketball.”
Rylen Stiegelmeyer – Coe College, basketball
“They have a great program and a great school so I just thought it would be a great fit for me,” said Stiegelmeyer, who will study sports management. He also looked at Loras College and the University of Dubuque, “But Coe was a better fit for me.”
“This is an accomplishment to move on and play basketball at the next level, that’s something that hasn’t happened here for a few years at Solon,” said Head boys basketball coach Jared Galpin. “I’m looking forward to seeing what you’re going to do at Coe, I know you’re going to do great things.”
Kate Richards – Central College, wrestling
“I really liked the campus and I fell in love with the school first and then wrestling. A door opened to wrestle there so yeah, let’s do it.” Richards, wanting to stay close to home, looked at a number of smaller Iowa colleges but finalized her decision to join the Dutch and study occupational therapy.
Women’s’ wrestling programs, particularly at the high school level (and younger) have taken off in Iowa in recent years and has only been an Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union-sanctioned sport for two years now. “My sister wrestles and she tried to convince me for a couple years, but I didn’t want to do it. But my coach (Jake Munson) said I should do it, I agreed to try it out, and I ended up really liking it.”
Bryan Petrie – William Penn University – soccer
Activities Director Casey Hack read a statement from Eyasu Russell, Head boys soccer coach saying “The program is glad to see Bryan achieve his dream and goal of playing college soccer. We couldn’t be happier for him and we wish him the best next year. He’s going to be a great contribution to the team.”
Autumn Griffith – Cornell College – cheerleading
Coach Elizabeth Rohner said, “I’ve watched her grow as a leader, she was Captain this year, which was amazing to have her lead the other cheerleaders.”
Sparty, AKA: Josh Milliman – Mount Mercy University – “Wild Thing” mascot
Sparty’s human alter ego was unmasked during the event as Josh Milliman, the man in the Sparty suit for two years, signed a symbolic LOI to Mount Mercy where he intends to take on the daunting role of “Wild Thing,” MMU’s Mustang mascot.
“I was thinking why not try it out, no one was doing it, and I ended up doing it for a long time,” said Milliman about becoming Sparty. As for attending Mount Mercy, the decision was also an easy one. “All of my siblings have gone there, and they were also looking for someone to be their mascot long-term.” Milliman will study elementary education and sing in the choir.
Grant Bumsted – Iowa Lakes Community College – swimming
A captain on City High’s swim team this year, and relay specialist for Solon’s varsity track and field team, Bumsted will study small engine mechanics and compete as a Laker on Iowa Lake’s team. However, swimming wasn’t his first choice as a sport until City High coach Mandi Kowal actively recruited him, including making a home visit to encourage him to visit the program.
“When I was looking for athletes for our swim program, I knew he would be a good fit,” said Kowal. “Especially given his goals in track and field. I’m grateful I had the time to work with him and also sad I won’t have him next year.”
“I am so excited, I’m really stoked, and I’ve heard great things (about Bumsted),” said Samantha Nelson, Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming Coach and Enrollment Coach for Iowa Lakes.
-30-

Gallery • 8 Photos

Anna Quillin