Record number of students on LCHS Signing Day
Part one – Softball and Baseball

 

[April 29, 2024] 

The Class of 2024 will go down in history as a record-setting class so it’s really no surprise that on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, a record number of 26 students signed on the dotted line to further their athletic and academic careers and their commitment to the armed forces.

Cameron Kurtz did an outstanding job emceeing the event in front of a large crowd inside the LCHS auditorium. Kurtz introduced 23 student-athletes who will continue their athletic careers and three students who made the decision to serve their country.

In his opening remarks, Kurtz went off script for a moment to recognize that these students started their freshman year by navigating through a global pandemic.

“The future was not bright at all, and the world seemed to change daily,” said Kurtz. “How could a new wave of young people possibly come out successful on the other end? Or so they said. They also said that an article from the “Wall Street Journal” published in 2020 forecasted a nearly improbable future for the incoming high school class of freshmen that year. There were some political leaders, educational administrators and health care providers that claimed that the new wave of students entering high school in the year 2020 were so far behind with their learning and educational process that was brought on by the pandemic that there was no way they could catch up and be ready for the next chapter of their lives in just four short years. Or so they said. Fast forward four years later and here we are today. Students, you accepted that challenge and that seemingly impossible task four years ago and you succeeded. Congratulations.”

Kurtz wrapped up his introductory speech by saying this to the students, “In just a matter of a few weeks you will take your final steps through these halls and step out into the world. All of us in this auditorium today, your family, friends, teachers and coaches can all say for certain that you are ready and you all have made your impact on this world. And for that we say thank you. We love you all and wish you all the best of luck.”

Kurtz said he would recognize the students by alphabetical order, however, he had to jump out of that order to start because Taryn Stoltzenburg and her entire team in attendance had to get to a softball game right away.

(LDN will group the students together in multiple stories by their sport.)

SOFTBALL

Taryn Stoltzenburg

Parents: Matthew and Jamie Stoltzenburg
Sport: Softball
College: Webster University
Major: Biology
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
The school has a great campus with lots of opportunities and all of the coaching staff and players were so nice and welcoming.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
Second Team Apollo All-Conference, Apollo All-Academic Team, Team Most Improved Award

BASEBALL

Jarrett Evers

Parents: John and Michelle Evers
Sport: Baseball
College: Culver-Stockton College
Major: Business
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
Opportunities to advance my future career.
Years played at LCHS: 4

Colbie Glenn

Parents: Tiffanie and Ronnie Glenn
Sport: Baseball
College: Lincoln Land Community College
Major: Business
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
They have a good baseball program.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
First Team Apollo All-Conference, Team MVP

Michael Lucas

Parents: Jason and Kim Lucas
Sport: Baseball
College: John Wood Community College
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
They have my intended major, a good baseball program and it is the perfect distance away from home.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
Apollo All-Academic Team

Wyatt Mammen

Parents: John and Marsha Mammen
Sport: Baseball
College: St. Johns River State College - Florida
Major: Business
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
The Florida weather and the coaching staff.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
Two-time Apollo All-Conference

Trey Schilling

Parents: Tami and Tony Schilling
Sport: Baseball
College: Illinois Wesleyan University
Major: Business Management
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
IWU instantly checked all of my boxes and made me feel at home. I fell in love with the place and IWU will put me in the best possible place for my future.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
Four-year Varsity Letter winner

Brenden Wurth

Parents: Lewis and Crystal Wurth
Sport: Baseball
College: Marian University of Wisconsin
Major: Exercise Science
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
They have great facilities, coaches and players. Plus they have a strong Exercise Science Program.
Years played at LCHS: 4

[Teena Lowery]