Romeo High senior Taylor Waters has opted to continue her softball playing career with coach Margo Jonker and the Central Michigan University Chippewas. Four high school seniors signed National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. Joining Waters were Michelle Dornan (Grand Haven, Mich./Allendale HS), Evelyn Lorimer (Spring Lake, Mich./Spring Lake HS) and Katelyn Rentschler (Etiwanda, Calif./Etiwanda HS). Joining CMU softball coach Margo Jonker (right) are some of her recruits including Romeo's Taylor Waters (next to Jonker). "The 2012 recruiting class is one that will bring excitement to our team," commented Jonker. "As a group they have the combination of foot speed and power. They play the positions we need depth in. Each brings passion and a love for the game. It will be exciting to watch them progress throughout their softball careers as Chippewas. "Taylor is a speedster who loves to play this game. She is a slapper who will put pressure on the defense, steal bases, as well as run the outfield to flag balls down. She finds a way to play as many games as possible, including hooking up with another travel ball team if her team is off for a weekend so she can compete and hone her skills," continued Jonker.

Fraser High Jeffrey Crosse II has decided to attend Jamestown College in North Dakota.
Crosse will join the Jamestown Jimmies as a multi-threat quarterback, who threw for 2,866 yards and 31 touchdowns, while also running for 565 yards and eight scores for the Fraser Ramblers.
“Jefferey is a delightful kid to be around,” said Jamestown head football coach Shawn Frank. “He enjoyed his visit to Jamestown so much, he signed before leaving for home. He is a big kid who moves well enough that will allow us to look at him in various positions.”

Crosse is the son of Jefferey Crosse and Laura Ptaszek and plans to major in criminal justice.
“Ultimately, we will put Jeff in a spot on the field that helps the team first and foremost,” Frank said. “We want him to succeed wherever we put him and his passion for the game will allow him to do that. Jeff’s contagious personality will fit in great at Jamestown College.” 

L’Anse Creuse North junior Emily Nieman will become a Cardinal in a couple of years, but she is not heading off to St. Louis with a bat and glove.

Instead, Nieman gave her verbal commitment to play volleyball as a libero/defensive specialist for Coach Will Stanton and the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals.

Saginaw Valley is an NCAA Division II school that competes in the GLIAC.

Nieman was voted All Region as both a sophomore and junior. She has been the libero for LCN coach Gary Malburg since her freshman year.

“Emily is the best defensive player I have ever coached,” said Malburg, who has been coaching high school volleyball for 15 years. She also has played outside hitter and setter for the Crusaders.

During the AAU season, she plays for the Dynasty volleyball club’s 18-1 National Team. She has competed in the AAU Orlando, Florida National championship tournament, and the Showcase Tournament in Chicago.

A member of the student council, Nieman carries a 3.67 grade point average.