On Nov. 14, proud family members, friends, coaches, teachers, and administrators were in the passive commons anticipating the signing of two beloved HHS students who were sitting before a Red Raiders backdrop. These two students were to sign their National Letters of Intent to their chosen colleges.

Seniors Tiffany Giese and Dubem Anikamadu sat behind a table outlooking their loved ones, next to them were representatives of their respective colleges. Their faces were full of humble pride, excited to bind the next step of their lives in writing.

Giese was signing to play softball at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay and Anikamadu was signing to run track and field at the University of Kentucky.

Glen Wilson, Huntley High School’s athletic director, hosted the event. He first introduced himself and the event and then invited the two students’ coaches to introduce themselves and speak about the accomplishments of their athletes.

Giese’s softball coach, Mark Petryniec, was invited up first. He was very proud of Giese as he listed out a few of her accomplishments: conquering conference, all-area, and all-state, in addition to winning three consecutive regional titles pitching on the mound. He mentioned his excitement for the upcoming softball season, and also wished her a great future at Green Bay.

“I can’t wait to watch her at the next level,” Petryniec said.

After her coach spoke about her, Giese was asked to speak about her college choice.

“I originally chose the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, and then the coach left,” she said. “So the reason why I [instead chose] to go to Green Bay is that he now coaches there, so he brought me with him. I was nervous to actually change, but when I went to the school it was a really good size for me. The athletic program will be a really good opportunity for me.”

Track and field coach James Rolando was then welcomed up to speak about Anikamadu and his accomplishments. He highlighted that Anikamadu was the second person to have medaled three times in one state track meet and that he had achieved five medals so far, being HHS’s second all-time leading medalist. He is also looking forward to the upcoming track and field season and mentioned his excitement for Anikamadu’s future at Kentucky.

“We’re excited for him to have a great senior year and finish a strong career at Huntley High School, and to continue his career at the University of Kentucky,” Rolando said.

Succeeding his coach’s speech, Anikamadu spoke about his commitment to his school.

“I had a tough decision,” he said. “With the help of my mom, my dad, Ms. Fowler, Rolando, my friends, and God, of course…it definitely came down to the University of Kentucky. They have a great coach and a [prestigious] program. I knew that with the right coaching that Rolando gave me and the right coaching my [future coach] will give me, I can progress as a student and as an athlete.”

After the speeches were done, Wilson encouraged the attendees to take pictures of their two beloved students officially signing their national letters of intent and momentarily concluded the event.

With the attendees’ continuous and supportive clapping, the fall signing event was ultimately a success.