West Chester, OH (April 13, 2022)
Lakota West Athletic Department hosted an athletic signing event on Wednesday afternoon in the Lakota West Theater on the first day of the NCAA Basketball Regular Signing Period. Twenty-five Senior Firebirds signed their commitment letters to continue their academic and athletic careers at their respective schools. Senior Football Player Cameron Goode joined the six other football seniors who have already signed earlier in the school year (link to early football signing, link to regular football signing). The Firebirds also saw 13 student-athletes sign in the fall signing ceremony in November bringing the total number of signed athletes to 43 for the Class of 2022 (Link to fall story).
Dallas Arthur-Baseball– Earlham College
The senior pitcher is a two year Firebird baseball letter winner. “Dallas always shows up to the ballpark with a good attitude and a smile on his face. We are excited to follow his baseball career as he moves onto Earlham College next year,” said Lakota West Head Coach Brad Gschwind.
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Riley Hopkins-Lacrosse-Ohio Northern University
“Riley is going to be continuing her academic and athletic career as an ONU Polar Bear. Riley picked up lacrosse late in her high school career, but has earned a spot as a team captain this year, as well as a starting spot on varsity. We are excited to see her transition to a collegiate athlete and know that she will be successful in whatever she sets her mind to!” said Lakota West Head Coach Kaitlin Rosen.
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Lydia Lehman-Lacrosse– Ohio Northern University
“Lydia is going to be continuing her academic and athletic career as an ONU Polar Bear. Lydia earned her starting spot on varsity, and has helped play a key role in some of our toughest games this season. We wish Lydia the best of luck on this new chapter, and cannot wait to see where her determination and competitiveness takes her!” said Lakota West Head Coach Kaitlin Rosen.
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Stephen Chitwood-Track– Indiana University East
The senior hurdle specialist placed 6th in the GMC at 110m hurdles his junior season and has already won two meets in his senior season. “Stephen has been a constant on Varsity since his freshman year. He has a tremendous amount of hurdle talent and I believe his best hurdling is still in front of him. I look forward to his continual development this year. IU East is getting a great kid with a bright future. I’m happy for Stephen, he has earned this opportunity and I know he will make the most of it. I’m very proud of Stephen,” said Lakota West Head Coach Brenton Eisenhard.
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Benjamin Zimmerer-Track- Ohio Northern University
Zimmerer has been a member of the Firebird XC and track teams since his freshman season and finished 2nd team All-GMC Cross Country his senior season. He’s also already won a 200 meter race in his senior track season. “Ben has been a leader since the first day that he set foot on the track at Lakota West. He is a selfless athlete that puts the team’s success above his own. He is what we want as far as a Lakota West Track and Field Athlete is concerned. Ben has made himself into an elite runner that will do great things at the next level. Ohio Northern is not only getting a great athlete, they are getting a great person. I’m very proud to be Ben’s Coach,” said Lakota West Head Coach Brenton Eisenhard.
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Hayden Peck–Wheelchair Basketball–U of Missouri
Peck competes on the local wheelchair team called the Cincinnati Dragons. “Hayden has a steadiness about him that I’ve always admired. You see it in his approach to training, play on the court and most importantly the leadership role with his teammates. When game situations get tense teammates can always look to Hayden as a calm and collected leader,” said Cincinnati Dragons Head Coach Jacob Counts
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Ellie Myers-Golf– Bryant University
Ellie Myers is a 4 year Varsity Player for the Lakota West Girls Golf Team. Ellie was the team’s captain this past season and the number one player on the team. “Her many achievements for 2021 include Athlete of the Week, Medalist in many of our matches, and 2nd Team – All GMC. Miss Myers helped lead the team to a GMC – 3rd Place Team Finish and a 2nd Place Team finish at Sectionals advancing the Team to the District Tournament. Ellie will make an immediate impact on the Women’s Golf Team at Bryant University,” said Lakota West Head Coach Linda Coffey
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Kendra Hiett –Wrestling– Tiffin University
“Kendra has been a leader in our program since her sophomore year. That was the first year of the OHSWCA Girls State Tournament where Kendra took 2nd place. The girls on that team and subsequent teams looked up to her and followed her example. This year she grew as a leader not only on the girls’ side but for the program as a whole. She finishes her career as a 3x state placer (2nd, 4th, and 4th) and the career leader in every statistical category. Not only that but most impressive was her toughness and coachability. Kendra was a pioneer for our girls’ program and has created a standard second to none,” said Lakota West Head Coach Adam Meyer
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Jeremy Fuller-Soccer– Defiance College
The senior mid-fielder was a three year varsity player who has served as captain and named 2nd Team All-GMC in his senior season. “Jeremy is a creative intelligent player who sees the game very well. I believe he will continue to grow as a player and have an impact on the Defiance soccer program,” said Lakota West Head Coach Rick Cooper.
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William Layfield–Basketball–Bluffton University
The 6’4” guard averaged 12.3 pts, 2.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game in his senior campaign. Layfield broke three Lakota West steal records in his senior season including steals in a game (8), steals in a season (76) and most per game (3.0). He finished his HS career on the All-GMC second team. “William Layfield embodies what a student athlete at Lakota West is all about. Played all four years of high school basketball and through hard work and dedication earned a scholarship,” said Lakota West Head Coach Jim Leon.
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Emily Doerman-Basketball/Track–Wittenberg University
“There aren’t too many kids that have the ability to go on to college in 2 sports but Emily Doerman is a rare young lady. She is a true team player that will do anything the Coach asks of her. She is a coach’s dream. She has been a tremendous leader during her time on the track and I’m happy that she is taking her talent to the next level. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be extremely successful. She will be missed at Lakota West. Emily has truly made her mark. I’m proud of her,” said Lakota West Head Track Coach Brenton Eisenhard.
“Emily’s leadership is always on display beyond just physically giving a 2nd and 3rd effort as she takes on extra responsibilities to serve and organize her teammates. Emily has led the GMC in field goal percentage, and she has led her team in rebounding. Emily is the shortest, by a few inches starting post in the league, but she never backs down in the trenches. She blocks out, sets screens, and imposes her will on opponents,” said Lakota West Head Coach Andy Fishman.
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Amara Flores –Basketball– TransylvaniaUniversity
The 5’5” guard was First Team All-GMC in both her junior and senior seasons. “Amara leads by example. She makes hustle plays and sacrifices her body in pursuit of loose balls and rebounds. Amara is always locked into coaching and has an attitude of gratitude. Our team Player of the Year led the GMC in Assist to Turn Over ratio. She was top ten in points, assists, steals, and FT% on her way to her second consecutive 1st team all GMC selection,” said Lakota West Head Coach Andy Fishman
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Liz Key-Basketball– Muskingum University
“Liz is a team leader in several ways. She is always first to put in extra skill work and shooting outside of practice. In the off season, she gathers her teammates for various workouts and during practice, she assembles and breaks her teammates with enthusiasm. Liz knows the game on the court, directs her peers, and moves without the ball to get her shot.” said Lakota West Head Coach Andy Fishman.
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Beri Ngwa-Basketball-Miami University-Hamilton
“Beri is a glue player. She poses the versatility as a ball handler and a defender to play any position on the floor. She’s also a great teammate, willing to play as a starter or off the bench without ego interference. The team functions best though when Beri is on the floor as a play maker who doesn’t require specific plays for her,” said Lakota West Head Coach Andy Fishman
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Cameron Goode–Football–Independence Comm. College
“Cameron was a 2nd Team All-Conference player as a Junior and finished his Senior season campaign as a 1st Team All-Conference player and as an All-Southwest Ohio player. During his final year in a Firebird uniform he ran for over a thousand yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry, and totaled 14 TD’s on the ground. He added another 139 yards in receptions and one TD. He’s not afraid to run inside but also has some “wiggle” in his ground attack. He loves the game and is very competitive,” said Lakota West Head Coach Tom Bolden.
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Ryleigh Jones-Cheer–Ohio State University
“Ryleigh takes being a student athlete to the next level. As a student alone she could have went anywhere her heart desired due to all of her hard word academically. On the athletic side of things, due to her immense dedication, she took 1 out of only 4 spots on THE Ohio State University Cheerleading team! This is an example of what hard work, dedication, and just being a good person can get you in life! We will see you on TV!” said Lakota West Head Coach Kayla Rodgers
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John Blanton –Lacrosse– University of the Cumberlands
“Is a player that does what needs to be done on the field and one of the best position players I have ever coached,” said Lakota West Head Coach Dave Reed
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Robert Guise-Lacrosse– Capital University
Guise recorded 112 saves in the goal during his junior season and is currently second in the GMC for saves (89) after six games. “Playing Goalie in any sport will certainly build character and requires a positive attitude. Bobby has certainly displayed how “attitude is everything “ to be successful,” said Lakota West Head Coach Dave Reed.
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J.D. Hale-Lacrosse-Ohio Northern University
Hale was All-GMC 2nd team in his junior season recording 41 goals and 14 assists. “Positive leader on and off the field. Brings enthusiastic attitude to his teammates,” said Lakota West Head Coach Dave Reed.
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Iason O’Neal–Lacrosse–Lincoln Memorial University
O’Neal was second team All-GMC in his junior season. “Doesn’t give up, even with adversity. Constantly striving to help his teammates and himself reach their goals,” said Lakota West Head Coach Dave Reed.
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Logan Pecora-Lacrosse–Otterbein University
“Hard working player and always providing positive support and encouragement to his teammates,” said Lakota West Head Coach Dave Reed.
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Brydan Pitman –Lacrosse– Ohio Northern University
“Committed to self-improvement of his craft. Usually, the last player to leave the practice field,” said Lakota West Head Coach Dave Reed.
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Anderson Simpson-Lacrosse– Thomas More University
“Player of good character and very respectful. Determined to win when on the field.,” said Lakota West Head Coach Dave Reed.
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Colin Willits-Lacrosse-Ohio Northern University
Colin was named the GMC Athlete of the Year in his junior campaign after scoring 53 goals and 41 assists. “Leads by example, always pushing for excellence. No quit attitude and respected by his teammates,” said Lakota West Head Coach Dave Reed.
