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.