Cink, Schimek, Blount and Heinbaugh taking their athletic skills to the next level
St. Clair High School honored four seniors for their advancement from high school to collegiate athletes on Monday, May 13. Jacob Schimek, Stephanie Cink, Dylan Blount and Savanna Heinbaugh have all been accepted by sports programs because of their athletic dedication. The, soon to be, Alumni Cyclones sat before an audience of their peers and underclassmen with their parents, who have, and will always be, right there to support them. Brad O’Donnell, activities director, introduced the seniors and thanked them for their inspiring work ethic and dedication.
Stephanie Cink says she didn’t believe it at first when Upper Iowa University approached her to play College Women’s Basketball for them, but “It’s always been a dream of mine and the feeling when it came true was surreal.” Basketball Head Coach Brian Noyes said that “These accolades don’t happen without extra hard work put in.” and expressed his appreciation for her dedication to basketball. Cink says that the support system around her has been a major part of her success, and she is grateful to have them.
Dylan Blount had a commendable year of football and Gustavus Adolphus College has recruited him because of his consistent performance. Head football coach and principal Dustin Bosshart said Blount was capable of being a starter from the beginning but his upperclassmen were were equally as good. It is likely that their influence is what helped shape Blount into the athlete he has become. He set a school record by scoring six touchdowns against Waterville in his final season. “All the tryharders end up here,” Bosshart said before Blount signed his name to Gustavus.
Savanna Heinbaugh was recruited by the Ridgewater College softball team. Head Coach Ashley Sander commended the dedication Heinbaugh has given to the sport. Her work ethic has made this moment possible, and Sander is excited to see Heinbaugh’s career continue at the college level. Heinbaugh thanked her parents for their constant support, and they joined her as she committed her name to collegiate softball.
Jacob Schimek was recruited by Augsburg University, surely because of his ability to dominate on the wrestling mat. His back-to-back appearances at the state finals and numerous St. Clair wrestling accolades have built the foundation that will carry him into his college career. Head Coach Giovanni Alvarado recounted the many hours that Schimek had dedicated to wrestling and let him know that he will be missed, “It’s been an honor being in his corner.” Schimek is looking forward to his continued wrestling career. Though his high school performance was great, “There were a lot of accomplishments I didn’t get to reach, so I hope to achieve them at the college level.”
