John Danaher: Niles athletes have headed off to next level
Published 8:06 am Saturday, October 31, 2009
I was recently asked if I would like to write articles for the paper and while I hesitated because its not something I readily do, I am going to try my hand at this and at the same time put some of our student athletes in the spot light.
The monthly column that I will call “Viking Bright Spots” will take a look at a different student athlete that might not be the obvious member of a team.
We will also look at programs that might not get as much press as others.
My first “Viking Bright Spot” will, however, focus on the student athletes over the past few years that are participating at the collegiate level.
While this is not why we offer athletics, it is an honor for Niles High School, Niles Community Schools, and the city of Niles. These young people have put in a lot of hard work to achieve their current athletic careers.
I would like to thank them for representing Niles High School and our community.
Class of 2006
Nick Etzcorn-football, DePauw
Class of 2007
Michael Tanke-soccer, University of Rhode Island
Danny Rodts-basketball, Calvin College
Jake Messner-football, Olivet College
Mat Peters- soccer, Albion College
Paul DePoy-football, DePauw
Class of 2008
Autumn Grayson-cc and track, Western Michigan University
Sam Brawley-volleyball, Central Michigan University
DJ Wolnik-baseball, Lake Michigan College
Dan Holland-baseball, Lake Michigan College
Alex Welch-golf, Mt. Union
Taylor Robson-baseball, Michigan State
Paul Dreher- football, Western Michigan
Ben Brandstatter-football, DePauw
Brittney Wolverton-volleyball, Ancilla College
Courtney Teske-basketball, Albion College
Class of 2009
Asaad Ali-baseball, Louisville
Andrew Brawley-baseball, Goshen College
Missy Cooper-volleyball, Grace College
Demi Schrader–volleyball and softball, Ancilla College
Maggie Ernsberger-softball, KVCC
Jenna Ignowski-softball, Eastern Michigan
Nellie Coquillard-softball, Eastern Michigan
Mikie Simpson-baseball, Lake Michigan College
Patty Anton-rowing, Michigan State
Baysia Cox-basketball, Holy Cross
Alec Taylor-baseball, Lake Michigan College
John Danaher is the Niles athletic director.