HOWELL — After eleven baseball and softball players posed for pictures in the Howell High School commons on Wednesday, the common emotions were joy — and relief.
“All the stress is gone,” said Kaeden Powell, who will play baseball at Davenport University. “I don’t have to worry about going to college or finding a specific college that I like.”
In all, seven baseball players and four softball players were at the ceremony. They included:
Caleb Balgaard, baseball: The Howell shortstop signed with Indiana University. He had committed to playing for the Hoosiers as a sophomore. He plans to major in physical therapy.
Jordan Humitz, softball: A first baseman, Humitz signed with Cleveland State University, where she also will major in physical therapy.
Emma Johnson, softball: The outfielder plans to study actuarial science as part of her math degree at Hillsdale.
Hannah Kutsch, softball: A catcher and second baseman, Kutsch will join Howell teammate and best friend Emily Pawelski at Madonna University. She plans to major in sign-language interpretation.
Brandon Leon, baseball: The Highlanders outfielder will attend Spring Arbor University, where he plans to study business management and marketing.
Evan Maize, baseball: The Howell pitcher will join Palmer at Davenport, where he plans to major in finance.
Seamus Mitchell, baseball: The infielder will attend Olivet College, where he will enter the school’s insurance and risk management program.
Kaeden Palmer, baseball: The Howell catcher plans to study sports management.
Emily Pawelski, softball: She will join Kutsch at Madonna, where she will study nursing.
Logan Russo, baseball: The outfielder will attend Saginaw Valley State, where he will major in business.
Sam Weatherly, baseball: The left-handed pitcher will attend Clemson, where he will study either criminal justice or sports management.
“It’s awesome that we have this many quality athletes,” Howell athletic director John Young said. “I think it speaks to the program that’s been built here, particularly baseball and softball. We’ve had two strong programs there, and we’re looking forward to having a couple more sign before the end of the year.”
Wednesday was the first day athletes could sign with Division 1 and II programs. The next major signing day will be in February.
With the signings out of the way, the athletes turned their attention to the spring, with workouts beginning in March.
“Everyone can finally stop worrying about colleges and whatnot,” Weatherly said. “We can just focus on the game. That will be great for us.”
“All we have to think about now is applying for more scholarships and getting more money,” Pawelski said. “It helps you play stress-free as well.”
“We’re going to put in some work,” Palmer said. “We’re going ring-chasing this year. We’re going to states.”
