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Nine Lakota East student athletes were honored during a signing day event at Lakota East High School May 16, 2012. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber of WestChesterBuzz.com.

Lakota East High School honored nine student athletes Wednesday during its spring signing day event. Among those recognized include Jacob Landers (Baldwin Wallace College, wrestling), Ivan Thomas (Kentucky Christian University, football), Tyler Overberg (College of Mount St. Joseph, golf), Morgan Weinheimer (University of Mississippi, volleyball), Jeff Mundy Jr. (Kentucky Christian University, football), Tanner Lyons (Centre College, track and field), Aleth Pashi (Otterbein University, basketball), Jacqui Tackett (Mount St. Joseph, lacrosse) and Molly Blomer (Nova Southeastern University, basketball).

“It was awesome. I was excited to see all my friends sign,” said Weinheimer, who was also considering Wright State University and Xavier University, among others. “It’s exciting because I want to see them do big things.”

The 5’4″ Weinheimer, who played the libero position for the Thunderhawks, was a first team All-GMC selection in 2011. She also led the GMC with 5.34 digs per game.

Her senior volleyball classmates, Hannah Berling (Tusculum College), Hannah Sigala (Morehead State University), Lauren Beitel (Otterbein) and Emily Bostian (Otterbein) were all honored at a signing day event Feb. 1. In addition to the seniors, junior teammates Ali Lake (Ohio University) and Ashley Evans (Purdue University) have verbally committed to programs.

Joining Weinheimer at Wednesday’s signing were basketball players Aleth Pashi and Molly Blomer. In February, their teammates Alyssa Grevenkamp (University of Findlay) and Whitney Wyckoff (Yale University) were also recognized.

Also on Wednesday, two senior football players, offensive lineman Ivan Thomas and defensive back Jeff Mundy Jr., signed on to play at the same college – Kentucky Christian University.

“They (KCU) are going to receive two good players, two good people and hopefully they will leave the program better than they left it,” Lakota East head football coach Rick Haynes said.

“It is always great to see guys forward their careers and move on to the next level. I think, both of them, as long as they put in the time and effort are going to have success.”

Other Lakota East senior student athletes, who were recognized for continuing their athletic careers in college in February, include Zach Mueck (Xavier, tennis) Michael Conrad (University of Cincinnati, baseball), Alex Corna (Ohio, baseball), Michaela Buczek (Mount St. Joseph, lacrosse), Ainsely Ellison (Hillsdale College, softball), Sofey Fugate (Heidelberg University, tennis), Jessika Hall (Michigan State University, swimming), Tori Meyer (Albright College, lacrosse), Mark Minch (Ohio Dominican University, basketball), Tony O’Connor (Northern Kentucky University, cross country/track) and Joe Postlewait (Walsh University, lacrosse)

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Tags: Tags: Ainsely Ellison, Aleth Pashi, Alex Corna, Alyssa Grevenkamp, cincyhoops, cincysports, Corri Muha, Emily Bostian, girls' basketball, Hannah Berling, Hannah Sigala, Ivan Thomas, Jacob Landers, Jeff Mundy Jr., Jessika Hall, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East basketball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota East tennis, Lakota East volleyball, Lauren Beitel, Mark Minch, Michael Conrad, Michael Conrad Lakota East, Michaela Buczek, Molly Blomer, Morgan Weinheimer, National Signing Day, ohio basketball recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, recruiting, Signing Day Lakota East, Sofey Fugate, Tony O'Connor, Tori Meyer, Tyler Overberg, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck

A total of 17 seniors, who will compete in nine different sports in college, were honored during a special signing ceremony at Lakota East High School on National Signing Day Wednesday.

“The neat thing about this morning is that just about every program we have is represented,” Lakota East Athletic Director Richard Bryant said.

“(The large class) legitimizes what we do as a public school system in making sure we put our kids in position to be successful and be able to continue what they want to do and follow their academic pursuits.”

Before college, there is one Lakota East senior who still believes he has plenty to prove on the high school level after losing in the tennis state singles final the past two seasons.

“It is more of a focus than it has been in the past few years because it is my last chance,” Xavier signee Zach Mueck said.

Mueck, who was selected as The Cincinnati Enquirer’s tennis player of the year last spring, was also considering the University of Kentucky, Ohio State University and the University of Notre Dame.

While Mueck came up short last season, his classmates Michael Conrad and Alex Conrad were key contributors in Lakota East’s first state championship in a varsity sport.

Like Mueck, Conrad was named player of the year in his sport by The Cincinnati Enquirer. In 2011, he finished the year with a 5-1 record, a 1.11 earned run average and tied a Lakota school district record with 115 strikeouts.

“I am excited to finish out the season and hopefully do as well as we did last year, but I also can’t wait to get down there and play at a higher level,” Conrad said. “I feel that I am ready for it.”

His best friend and teammate, Alex Corna who will be playing ball at Ohio University, finished the year with a .381 batting average and a team-leading .532 on-base percentage.

Joining Mueck, Conrad and Corna as honorees during Wednesday’s ceremony were fellow athletic standouts Lauren Beitel (volleyball – Otterbein University), Hannah Berling (volleyball – Tusculum College) Emily Bostian (volleyball – Otterbein), Michaela Buczek (lacrosse – College of Mount St. Joseph), Ainsely Ellison (softball – Hillsdale College), Sofey Fugate (tennis – Heidelberg University), Alyssa Grevenkamp (basketball – University of Findlay), Jessika Hall (swimming – Michigan State University), Tori Meyer (lacrosse – Albright College), Mark Minch (basketball – Ohio Dominican University), Tony O’Connor (cross country/track – Northern Kentucky University), Joe Postlewait (lacrosse – Walsh University), Hannah Sigala (volleyball – Morehead State University) and Whitney Wyckoff (basketball – Yale University).

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports, Spring sports, Winter Sports |

Tags: Tags: Ainsely Ellison, Alyssa Grevenkamp, Emily Bostian, Hannah Sigala, Jessika Hall, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Lauren Beitel, Mark Minch, Michaela Buczek, National Signing Day, Neil Recker, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Peair Foster, Signing Day Lakota East, Sofey Fugate, Tony O’Connor, Tori Meyer, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck

Both Lakota West and Lakota East high schools will host special signing ceremonies Wednesday on National Signing Day to honor student athletes that will be playing sports in college. WestChesterBuzz.com will post updates, stories and pictures throughout the day.

At Lakota East Wednesday morning, 15 student athletes in sports that include volleyball, lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, swimming, cross country and track will be honored.

Among those who will be honored at Lakota East include Lauren Beitel (volleyball – Otterbein University), Emily Bostian (volleyball – Otterbein), Michaela Buczek (lacrosse – College of Mount St. Joseph), Michael Conrad (baseball – University of Cincinnati), Alex Corna (baseball – Ohio University), Ainsely Ellison (softball – Hillsdale College), Sofey Fugate (tennis – Heidelberg University), Alyssa Grevenkamp (basketball – University of Findlay), Jessika Hall (swimming – Michigan State University), Tori Meyer (lacrosse – Albright College), Mark Minch (basketball – Ohio Dominican University), Zach Mueck (tennis – Xavier University), Tony O’Connor (cross country/track – Northern Kentucky University), Hannah Sigala (volleyball – Morehead State University) and Whitney Wyckoff (basketball – Yale University).

Meanwhile, also Wednesday morning, Lakota West will host a signing event for football players. Currently, six seniors have verbally committed to college including Dawson Fletcher (Indiana University), defensive end Blake Bell (University of California, Penn.), linebacker Jordan Darland (Olivet Nazarene University), linebacker Cole Stalker (University of Findlay), offensive lineman Beau Odom (Georgetown College) and wide receiver Kayaune Ross (Fort Scott Community College).

That group, along with running back Marcus Davis, wide receiver Bubba Williams, cornerback Peair Foster, safety Antonio Darden and offensive lineman Neil Recker can officially sign with their school of choice Wednesday.

Later in the day, the Greater Miami Conference will hold its annual football signing press conference at 1 p.m. at the Wingate Inn/Meridian Conference Center, 7500 Tylers Place Blvd., in West Chester. The event is open to the public.

Meanwhile, during Thursday’s afternoon ceremony at Lakota West, the following student athletes will be honored: Kim Love (soccer – Purdue University), Kelly Mack (soccer – Wright State University), Lauren Pratt (soccer – Ohio Dominican University), Brady Holmer (cross country – Northern Kentucky) and Amanda Shelby (cross country – Mount St. Joseph).

In November, basketball, baseball and volleyball players were able to sign national letters of intent. Back then, the following students from Lakota West signed: Summer Reeves (basketball – Morgan State University), Shabazz Reeves (basketball – Morgan State), Corri Muha (volleyball – Georgetown College) and Mel Stewart (volleyball – Northern Kentucky University).

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Tags: Tags: Ainsely Ellison, Alyssa Grevenkamp, Amanda Shelby, Antonio Darden, Beau Odom, Blake Bell, Brady Holmer, Bubba Williams, Cole Stalker, Dawson Fletcher, Emily Bostian, Hannah Sigala, Jessika Hall, Kelly Mack, Kim Love, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lauren Beitel, Lauren Pratt, Marcus Davis, Mark Minch, Michael Conrad, Michaela Buczek, National Signing Day, Neil Recker, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Ohio State football, Peair Foster, Signing Day Lakota East, Signing Day Lakota West, Sofey Fugate, Tony O’Connor, Tori Meyer, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck

National Signing Day, which will take place Wednesday, marks the first day high school football and soccer players can sign letters of intent. Many high schools across the country, like Lakota East and Lakota West, will host special signing ceremonies throughout the week.

Lakota East will honor 15 student athletes during a special ceremony Wednesday morning in sports that include volleyball, lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, swimming, cross country and track.

Lakota West will host a signing event for football players Wednesday morning as well. Meanwhile, soccer and cross country athletes will be recognized at a ceremony Thursday afternoon.

Among those who will be honored at Lakota East include Lauren Beitel (volleyball – Otterbein University), Emily Bostian (volleyball – Otterbein), Michaela Buczek (lacrosse – College of Mount St. Joseph), Michael Conrad (baseball – University of Cincinnati), Alex Corna (baseball – Ohio University), Ainsely Ellison (softball – Hillsdale College), Sofey Fugate (tennis – Heidelberg University), Alyssa Grevenkamp (basketball – University of Findlay), Jessika Hall (swimming – Michigan State University), Tori Meyer (lacrosse – Albright College), Mark Minch (basketball – Ohio Dominican University), Zach Mueck (tennis – Xavier University), Tony O’Connor (cross country/track – Northern Kentucky University), Hannah Sigala (volleyball – Morehead State University) and Whitney Wyckoff (basketball – Yale University).

Meanwhile, during Thursday’s afternoon ceremony at Lakota West, the following student athletes will be honored: Kim Love (soccer – Purdue University), Kelly Mack (soccer – Wright State University), Lauren Pratt (soccer – Ohio Dominican University), Brady Holmer (cross country (Northern Kentucky) and Amanda Shelby (Mount St. Joseph).

In football, Lakota West could have up to 10 players sign Wednesday including linebacker Jordan Darland, defensive end Blake Bell, running back Marcus Davis, safety Dawson Fletcher, offensive lineman Beau Odom, wide receiver Bubba Williams, linebacker Cole Stalker, safety Antonio Darden, cornerback Peair Foster and offensive lineman Neil Recker.

Of that group, only Fletcher has announced where he will be playing football in college. The senior safety, who will be attending Indiana University, was second on the team in tackles with 70. The all-GMC first teamer also had 5.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception that he returned 77 yards, 3 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble.

In November, basketball, baseball and volleyball players were able to sign national letters of intent. Back then, the following students from Lakota West signed: Summer Reeves (basketball – Morgan State University), Shabazz Reeves (basketball – Morgan State), Corri Muha (volleyball – Georgetown College) and Mel Stewart (Northern Kentucky University).

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Ainsely Ellison, Alyssa Grevenkamp, Amanda Shelby, Antonio Darden, Beau Odom, Blake Bell, Brady Holmer, Bubba Williams, Cole Stalker, Dawson Fletcher, Emily Bostian, Hannah Sigala, Jessika Hall, Kelly Mack, Kim Love, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Lakota West, Lakota West sports, Lauren Beitel, Lauren Pratt, Marcus Davis, Mark Minch, Michael Conrad, Michaela Buczek, National Signing Day, Neil Recker, Ohio football recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, Ohio State football, Peair Foster, Signing Day Lakota East, Signing Day Lakota West, Sofey Fugate, Tony O’Connor, Tori Meyer, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck

Lakota West seniors Summer and Shabazz Reeves both signed National Letters of Intent Wednesday to play basketball at Morgan State University. The twins signed with the school during a special ceremony held after school on National Signing Day.

“The twins connected instantly with what an academic and athletic opportunity at Morgan State would offer and it was awesome that the MSU is giving the girls an opportunity to stay together through college,” Lakota West girls’ basketball coach Andy Fishman said.

The Reeves twins made verbal commitments to MSU in July of 2011 after considering the University of New Hampshire, the University of Richmond and St. Francis University. In addition, Shabazz also considered playing soccer at the University of Cincinnati, while Summer had considered playing basketball at American University.

Summer averaged 9.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season, while Shabazz averaged 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.

Baseball state champions can sign - The Lakota East Athletic Department announced that it would hold its signing day event in early February for all of its signees, but seniors Michael Conrad (University of Cincinnati) and Alex Corna (Ohio University) can officially sign with their colleges Wednesday. Conrad was The Enquirer Division I player of the year. Meanwhile, Moeller’s Bradley Macciochhi of West Chester is expected to sign to play baseball at Wright State University.

Lakota East tennis standout to sign with Xavier - Lakota East tennis standout Zach Mueck has committed to Xavier and will sign today, according to Lakota East coach Greg Mahlerwein. Mueck was the Division I state runner-up last spring. “I’m confident he will have an outstanding senior year here at Lakota East and that he will immediately be a valuable contributor to a talented Xavier tennis team next year,” Mahlerwein told the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Lakota volleyball standouts – Two players from Lakota West, Corri Muha (Georgetown College) and Mel Stewart (Northern Kentucky University), and two from Lakota East, Hannah Berling (Tusculum College) and Hannah Sigala (Morehead State University), can officially sign letters of intent Wednesday.

Lakota East basketball seniors – The Lakota East girls’ program could have its best basketball season ever in thanks to seniors Alyssa Grevenkamp (University of Findlay), Tazzie Shaw (Marshall University) and Whitney Wyckoff (Yale University). All three can sign with their schools Wednesday. The Thunderhawks feature other players who are currently deciding between schools.

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Tags: Tags: Alex Corna, Alyssa Grevenkamp, cincyhoops, cincysports, Corri Muha, girls' basketball, Hannah Berling, Hannah Sigala, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East basketball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota East tennis, Lakota East volleyball, Lakota West, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports, Lakota West volleyball, Mel Stewart, Michael Conrad, Michael Conrad Lakota East, ohio basketball recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, recruiting, Shabazz Reeves, Summer Reeves, Tazzie Shaw, Tazzie Shaw Lakota East, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck

A total of 11 Lakota athletes are eligible to sign National Letters of Intent this upcoming Wednesday.

November’s National Signing Day is for athletes in the class of 2012 who participate in the following sports; basketball, wrestling, swimming and diving, lacrosse, volleyball, gymnastics, softball, golf, hockey, baseball and tennis.

Football and soccer players can sign in February.

From Lakota West:

Corri Muha (volleyball – Georgetown College)
Shabazz Reeves (girls’ basketball – Morgan State University)
Summer Reeves (girls’ basketball – Morgan State University)
Mel Stewart (volleyball – Northern Kentucky University)

From Lakota East:

Hannah Berling (volleyball – Tusculum College)
Alex Corna (baseball – Ohio University)
Alyssa Grevenkamp (girls’ basketball – University of Findlay)
Zach Mueck (boys’ tennis – Xavier University)
Tazzie Shaw (girls’ basketball – Marshall University)
Hannah Sigala (volleyball – Morehead State University)
Whitney Wyckoff (girls’ basketball – Yale University)

The Lakota East Athletic Department announced that it would hold its signing day event in early February for all of its signees.

Meanwhile, Lakota West has not yet planned a signing day event this November. Last year, West held a signing event in November and February, as well as others throughout the school year.

For a list of other Cincinnati area student athletes who could be signing Wednesday, visit Cincinnati.com.

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Tags: Tags: Alex Corna, Alyssa Grevenkamp, cincyhoops, cincysports, Corri Muha, girls' basketball, Hannah Berling, Hannah Sigala, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East basketball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota East tennis, Lakota East volleyball, Lakota West, Lakota West basketball, Lakota West sports, Lakota West volleyball, Mel Stewart, ohio basketball recruiting, Ohio High School sports recruiting, Ohio preps recruiting, Ohio sports recruiting, recruiting, Shabazz Reeves, Summer Reeves, Tazzie Shaw, Whitney Wyckoff, Zach Mueck

Since winning its last Greater Miami Conference title in 2008 and graduating seven seniors, members of the Lakota East varsity girls’ volleyball squad and others in the conference have considered the Thunderhawks to be underdogs because of their youth.

However, that youthful group, which finished with a combined 36-14 record the past two seasons, is all grown up.

This year’s squad returns 11 student athletes, who were on the 2010 team, which advanced all the way to the final 16 in the state tournament last November.

“We have always been the underdog because we have always been told that we are too young,” senior setter Hannah Berling said. “We have a huge junior and senior class, but when we were freshmen and sophomores we were the babies, but now we won’t have that excuse anymore.”

>>>PHOTOS OF LAKOTA EAST’S FIRST SUMMER PRACTICE<<<

Berling, who led the Thunderhawks and was sixth in the GMC in assists in 2010 with 519, is among six seniors who will be featured on the 2011 varsity roster, according to second-year head coach Casie Garland. Other seniors, who were also on last year’s roster include Hannah Sigala, who is committed to play at Morehead State University, Lauren Beitel, Morgan Weinheimer and Emily Bostian.

Meanwhile, the junior class is led by Ali Lake (photo – click to enlarge), who is committed to Ohio University, and Ashley Evans, who is committed to Purdue University. (more…)

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Ali Lake, Ashley Evans, Casie Garland, Emily Bostian, Hannah Berling, Hannah Sigala, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Lakota East volleyball, Lauren Beitel, Morehead State, Morehead State University, Morehead State volleyball, Morgan Weinheimer, Ohio, Ohio University, Ohio University volleyball, Ohio volleyball, photo gallery, photos, Purdue, Purdue University, Purdue volleyball, volleyball, West Chester photos

Lakota East sophomore Ali Lake has announced that she has made a verbal commitment to play volleyball at Ohio University. She is the third volleyball player from Lakota East to make a commitment to a Division I program in April. Earlier this month, junior Hannah Sigala committed to Morehead State University and sophomore Ashley Evans committed to Purdue University.

This past fall, Lakota East finished in a two-way tie with Sycamore for second place in the Greater Miami Conference standings. The Thunderhawks finished the year with an 18-7 overall record and a 7-2 mark within the GMC.

Lake (photo), who is a 6-foot-1 middle hitter for the Thunderhawks, had 123 kills last season, according to the GMC website.

Sigala was named to the All-GMC Second Team after registering 97 kills in the fall.

Evans, who is a 6-foot-1 outside hitter at Lakota East, will be used as a setter at Purdue. This past fall, Evans was named to the All-GMC First Team and led her team with 228 kills.

“She is one of the most athletic and versatile player that we have on our team or even in the city,” Lakota East head coach Cassie Garland said of Evans. “She could probably play anywhere on the court.”

Posted in: Fall sports, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Ali Lake, Ashley Evans, Casie Garland, Hannah Sigala, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Morehead State, Morehead State University, Ohio, Ohio University, Purdue, Purdue University, volleyball

Junior Hannah Sigala and sophomore Ashley Evans have recently committed to Division I volleyball programs, according to Lakota East head coach Casie Garland.

Sigala has committed to Morehead State University after seriously considering the University of Dayton.

“The second she went down to Morehead State, she just fell in love with it,” said Garland, who played her college ball at Morehead State. “I am just excited for her. I think it is a great fit.”

Sigala (photo – No. 5) was named to the All-GMC Second Team after registering 97 kills in the fall. Next season, the six-foot Sigala will be a senior for Lakota East, which will try to better its 18-7 overall and 7-2 Greater Miami Conference record in the fall of 2010.

“We are going to rely on her a lot,” Garland said. “She has so much potential and definitely belongs at the Division I level.”

Meanwhile, sophomore Ashley Evans (photo – No. 13) has already decided that she would like to attend Purdue University.

“I was a little surprised about her early commitment,” Garland said. “She had about every school looking at her – I have had contacts from Ohio State, Arkansas, LSU, Ohio University. She only went on two visits, to Purdue and Ohio State, and when she told me she had committed, I was shocked because she is so young, but when you know, you know.”

Evans, who is a 6-foot-1 outside hitter at Lakota East, will be used as a setter at Purdue. This past fall, Evans was named to the All-GMC First Team and led her team with 228 kills.

“She is one of the most athletic and versatile player that we have on our team or even in the city,” Garland said. “She could probably play anywhere on the court.”

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Tags: Tags: Ashley Evans, Casie Garland, Hannah Sigala, Lakota East, Lakota East Sports, Morehead State, Morehead State University, Purdue, Purdue University, volleyball