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Men's Sports
Women's Sports
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Athletic Signings 2010 John Nuppnau - Baseball
Grace College's baseball program landed another recruit in Valparaiso's John Nuppnau. "John comes from a great baseball program at Valparaiso," said Grace baseball coach Josh Bailey. "He is a tremendous athlete with a lot of potential. He is also a strong student that takes academics seriously. He will impact our program immediately.” John is a senior first basemen for Valparaiso. He is a two-year letter winner in baseball and football (wide receiver). He was also First Team Academic All-State in football. "I chose Grace because of the small Christian campus," John said. "I also am looking forward to the opportunity to play baseball collegiately at Grace." He is a member of the National Honor Society and looks to continue success in the classroom. One of his goals as a Lancer is to maintain a 3.5 GPA. John is the son of Mike and Willa Nuppnau. Cameron Spitaels - Baseball
Grace College's baseball program signed Nappanee's Cameron Spitaels, a NorthWood High School outfielder. "He has a tremendous work ethic and has developed into a very good high school player," said NorthWood head coach Nick Davis. "Cam's best days of baseball are ahead of him. He will be a great addition to the Grace baseball program." Cameron is a three-year lettermen in both baseball and football at NorthWood. He received Batting Champion and Most Improved accolades in baseball and is a four-year Scholar-Athlete. He also made the Honor Roll and is a member of the National Honor Society. "I chose Grace because it has a great campus, great people, and I want to play baseball," Cameron said. "I want to be the best I can be for my team." He is the son of Randy and Annette Spitaels. Allyssa Johnson - Volleyball Grace College's women's volleyball program signed another component for the 2010 season in Fort Wayne's Allyssa Johnson. Allyssa played four years of volleyball at Heritage High School. During her senior season, Heritage's team captain was named ACAC All-Conference 1st Team, All-Northeast Indiana Honorable Mention, Utility Player of the Year and ACAC All-Academics. She was also named Defensive Player of the Year during her junior season. "Allyssa will be a great asset for Grace's volleyball team," said Heritage head coach Stephen Walter. "Her many positives attributes, along with her dedication to friends, family and the Lord will guide her as a student-athlete." At Heritage, Allyssa was also part of the National Honor Society and received Perfect Attendance and Principal's List honors. She plans on majoring in Biology and Health Sciences at Grace with hopes of becoming a chiropractor. "I chose Grace College because I love the Christian environment, and I know I will fit in great there," Allyssa said. "My athletic goals are to work hard, improve every day, win and use the ability God gave me to succeed and enjoy the game I love." Allyssa is the daughter of Walter and Sherri Johnson. Brett Houlihan - Baseball
The Grace College baseball program has signed Brett Houlihan, a Triton High School standout. "I love the small-campus atmosphere that Grace provides," Brett said. "I am looking forward to joining the program and enjoying my new teammates." Brett is a pitcher for Triton where he has won All-Conference honorable mention awards twice. While at Grace, Brett plans on majoring in Sports Management and Communications. “Brett is a highly competitive, successful athlete that will make our program better," said Grace College head coach Josh Bailey. "He is willing to put in the hard work necessary to impact our team and our campus in a meaningful way." Brett is the son of Gary and Nancy Houlihan. Cameron Campbell - Baseball
Grace College's baseball team has added Southwood High School's Cameron Campbell to its roster for the 2011 season. Cameron is a four-year catcher for Southwood, winning All-Conference honors in 2008 and 2009. He also won the RBI Award, Best Hitter Award and Team MVP last season. Cameron played football for Southwood, as well, where he was named Class A First Team All-State by the Associated Press. "I chose Grace because it was the perfect fit," Cameron said. "I love the coaching staff, the players, and the atmosphere at Grace." Cameron has been involved in various activities at Southwood, including student body president and being a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the class cabinet. Cameron plans on majoring in Social Studies Education while at Grace. "I want to come in as a freshman and simply bring a spark to the program," Cameron said. "I hope to eventually help Grace become the powerhouse in the Mid-Central College Conference." Cameron is the son of Curt and Pat Campbell. Todd DeLange - Men's Soccer
Grace College's men's soccer team signed Todd DeLange, a transfer from Michigan State and a Lapeer West High School standout. Todd played soccer for four years at Lapeer West. During his senior season, he was Third Team All-State, All-Regional, All-District and First Team All-Conference. He also tallied 14 goals and four assists. "I chose Grace because the focus of the coaches, school, teachers and the team was exactly what I wanted," Todd said. "I want to use the ability God has given me and take that as far as he will allow me to." He participated in the long jump and triple jump on Michigan State's track and field team and played basketball and football in high school. Todd is the son of Edwin and Mickey DeLange. Asher Bontreger - Men's Soccer
Grace College's men's soccer team signed another component for their 2010 campaign in Rensselaer's Asher Bontreger. Asher is a transfer from St. Joseph's College and will play defender for the Lancers next season. At St. Joseph's, Asher was a Great Lakes Valley Conference Academic All-American and the Alpha Lambda Delta National Freshman Honor Society President. "I believe that Grace offers a challenging curriculum that will help me achieve my career goals," Asher said. "I think Grace has a solid team, and we will be very competitive in the MCC this next season." At Grace, Asher will be triple majoring in business, marketing and public relations. He hopes to graduate with a 3.9 grade point average and pursue his master's degree after graduation. Asher is the son of Rein and Suzie Bontreger. Marena Lodzinski - Cross Country/Track and Field
The Grace College cross country and track and field teams landed its first recruit for next year in Marena Lodzinski. Marena is a senior at Addison High School in Cement City, Mich. She has run cross country and track for Addison throughout her high school career, winning awards like All-County Team and All-Conference Honorable Mention. "I chose Grace College because the school cares for the whole person -- academically, spiritually and athletically," Marena said. "I hope to help the team out the best that I can and to improve my times, as well." She intends to major in Graphic Design. She is the daughter of Mike and Beth Lodzinski. Kent Judy - Baseball
The Grace College baseball team signed another recruit for 2011 in Kent Judy of Greenfield, Ind. Kent was home schooled and was a pitcher and center fielder for the Indianapolis Kings. "He is a leader on the team," said Indianapolis Kings head coach Steve Marlow. "He loves to be aggressive and is the guy who sparks and ignites the team. He is the guy I want on the mound when the game is on the line." Kent played four years of baseball and four years of basketball in high school. He earned the Junior Varsity Golden Glove Award in baseball and received Junior Varsity Defensive Player, Junior Varsity MVP and Varsity Most Improved honors on the hardwood. "I chose Grace because it claimed the name of Christ, had a graphic design program and allowed me to play baseball," Kent said. "I want to strive to manage and a 3.5 GPA or above while playing baseball. My goal is to glorify God in the talent he has given me." Jordan Eberly - Men's Soccer
Grace's men's soccer team signed its first recruit for their 2010 campaign in Fort Wayne's Jordan Eberly. "Jordan is a natural leader who earned the respect of both his coaches and teammates," said Fort Wayne Fusion head coach Mark Baker. "Jordan is an exciting and dynamic left-footed player who has a nose for the goal. He has a bright future, and he brings something special to any team he plays for." Jordan was homeschooled and was a four-year starter on the Fort Wayne Fusion. He tallied 40 goals and 15 assists during his senior year and led his team to a 21-5-2 record. During his junior year, he added 27 goals to go along with nine assists. He was selected to the All-Tournament Team at the Home School Soccer Championship in 2008 and 2009. "I chose Grace because I like the school and what they stand for," Jordan said. "I also really like the coaching staff and the team. I want to bring whatever I can to help the team, while improving my personal skills." Jordan plans on studying Sports Management at Grace. He is the son of Bruce and Cynthia Eberly. Steven Hovermale - Baseball
The Grace College baseball team has signed Livonia Churchill High School's Steven Hovermale to its roster for next season. Steven has played pitcher, first base and outfield for Livonia Churchill for the past two years and was a member of a team that won city champs. "I chose Grace College because of the terrific atmosphere with everyone committed to their faith," Steven said. "I want to help make Grace a contender for a title every year." While at Grace, Steven plans to major in Sports Management. "He is a solid student and a tremendous young man which we're excited to add to our program," said Grace baseball coach Josh Bailey. "I look for Steven to make an immediate impact on our program beginning this fall." Steven is the son of Greg and Kelly Hovermale. Connor Petry - Baseball
The Grace College baseball team landed another recruit for the 2010-11 season in Greenfield Central's Connor Petry. "Connor's versatility will add depth to our team immediately," said Grace baseball coach Josh Bailey. "We are very happy he has chosen to continue his athletic career at Grace College." Connor is an outfielder and middle infielder for Greenfield Central High School. His intended major at Grace is Finance. "I chose Grace for the small school atmosphere and the Christian environment," Connor said. "I am excited to help build up the program." Connor is the son of Warren and Patti Petry. His brother, Josh, is a catcher for the Lancers. Turner Hays - Baseball
Grace College's baseball team has added another piece to its puzzle in Northfield pitcher Turner Hays. Turner has played three years of baseball at Northfield High School and was named a Scholar-Athlete. He was also a member of the state champion team in travel ball in 2006. "I felt like it was a good fit when I walked on campus," Turner said. "I want to work hard to make myself a better person and ball player." He plans on majoring in Criminal Justice while at Grace to ultimately become a police officer. "We are excited about Turner joining our program and our pitching staff," said Grace baseball coach Josh Bailey. "He has a lot of potential. We look forward to his continued improvement as a player as well as his growth in the classroom." Turner is the son of Beckie Elliot. Janelle Hess - Women's Tennis
Grace's women's tennis program landed its first recruit of the year in Ashland, Ohio, native Janelle Hess. Janelle has played #1 singles for Ashland High School the last three years and was a District qualifier her junior and senior seasons. "I chose Grace because I wanted a smaller Christian environment for my college education," Janelle said. "Grace has what I'm looking for along with a campus that is warm and welcoming." Janelle, who intends to major in Graphic Design, is the daughter of Stan and Nancy Hess. "My athletic goals are to contribute to the tennis program with solid and consistent play," Janelle continued. "I will work hard to accomplish my goals. I love the game of tennis." Brittney Thacker - Softball
Grace's women's softball program signed another component for next year's team in Ridgedale High School's Brittney Thacker. Brittney played center and left field for Ridgedale and has received a number of accolades during her time in Morral, Ohio. She was a varsity starter during her freshman year and was named All-District First Team along with MOAC Honorable Mention. She was named All-District Second Team during her sophomore year, and during her junior year, she was named All-District First Team and All-State Second Team. She was also named All-Conference First Team and was a nominee for the Fahey Bank Athlete of the Month as a junior at Ridgedale. She was also a guard on Ridgedale's basketball team and led the team in 3-pointers. "I felt Grace was a great fit for me because I wanted to attend a Christian college," Brittney said. "I was impressed by Grace's staff, students and coaches." At Grace, Brittney plans to major in Criminal Justice. She is the daughter of Preston and Emily Thacker. Emily Hickerson - Women's Soccer
Grace College's women's soccer team added another piece to its puzzle in local Warsaw Tiger standout Emily Hickerson. Emily is a senior at Warsaw Community High School and a two-time Offensive Player of the Year for the Tigers. She is a three-time All-Conference Honorable Mention and was a part of a sectional runner-up team. "I love the coach and the team and everything about Grace," Emily said. "I want to be a part of this team and help out any way that I can while improving my own skills." Emily is also a sprinter on the swim team and track team. As a member of the track team, she was named All-Conference twice and was a three-time 4x400 state qualifier. "We are excited to have Emily join the squad," Voss said. "Her passion, determination and nose for the goal will help our program continue to be successful with possession attacking futbol. Her personality and character will mesh well with the team." Emily is the daughter of Bryan and Jo Hickerson. Olivia Winget - Softball
Grace College's softball team officially signed its second recruit in 2009 in Wabash's own Olivia Winget. Olivia, a senior pitcher at Southwood High School, has been named First Team All-Conference and All-County in both her sophomore and junior years. She has broken ten school records, including most strikeouts in a single season and in a career, as well as most shutouts in a season. "Coach Johnson and her staff made me feel really comfortable and welcome on campus. I hope that I'll be able to make an impact on the team and grow as a softball player." During her junior season, Olivia stuck out 164 batters in 152.2 innings with a 1.28 ERA. Olivia also showed she can swing the bat when she batted .419 with seven doubles and five home runs last year. Off the field, Olivia was involved in P.E.P., a mentoring program for junior high students, as well as being on the honor roll. She is undecided on her intended major at Grace. "Grace College is getting an outstanding individual in Olivia Wenget," said Southwood softball coach Duane Nordman. "I believe Olivia will be an excellent addition to the softball program both on and off the field." Olivia is the daughter of Jim and Gloria Winget. Adrian Makolli - Men's Basketball
The Grace College men's basketball team landed its second player in its 2009-10 signing class in 6'11" Adrian Makolli. Adrian, a senior at Lakeland Christian Academy, plans on graduating in the spring of 2010. He is originally from Germany and came to the United States in 2008. "I want to be a good basketball player and to become a good rebounder and defender," Adrian said. "I really enjoyed the environment of Grace College, including the academics as well as the basketball team and Coach Kessler." Adrian came to America through a program called Education First. He ended up in South Bend, Ind., and attended Riley High School for a year before switching to Lakeland for his final year. "In the time that I've worked with Adrian, I have been very pleased with his work ethic," said Lakeland basketball coach Shannon Brown. "Adrian works hard to be the best player he can be. He has a willingness and openness to learn." While at Grace, he intends to major in either business or sport management. He currently resides with Scott and Cindy Silveus in Winona Lake, Ind. with their three children. "He’s mobile, and he’s got a competitive spirit about him that we have the opportunity to cultivate and develop," said Grace head coach Jim Kessler. "His height is definitely going to be a factor in games, and he has a huge desire to learn." Adrian is the son of Ferhan and Rifadije Makolli. Carmen Barnhill - Women's Soccer
Grace College's women's soccer team landed another recruit for the 2009-10 signing class in goalkeeper Carmen Barnhill. Carmen is a senior at Mansfield Christian School in Mansfield, Ohio. She was a four-year varsity letterman and a two-year captain. During her senior season, Carmen allowed only five goals all year and recorded 15 shutouts. She has been named First Team All-District, First Team All-Conference, and Second Team All-State. "Carmen was the backbone of our great defense," said Mansfield soccer head coach Steve Storkel. "She has been a great leader on and off the field and was always one of the hardest workers on the team." Carmen was involved in student government at Mansfield and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She intends to major in graphic design. "I want to be a servant to this team and help in any way God will allow," Carmen said. "I really saw the passion in the lives of the students and faculty here, and I love their thirst for God." Carmen is the daughter of Dan and Connie Barnhill. Keeley Booher - Women's Soccer
The Grace College women's soccer team has added another piece to its puzzle in Covington, Ohio, native Keeley Booher. Keeley, who will graduate from Newton Local High School in the spring of 2010, is a four-year varsity letterman who broke her school's career and single-season record for assists. She was a three-time First Team All-Conference and also was named to the All-Miami Valley 1st Team. Keeley also played basketball and softball and ran track during her high school career. She has a 3.9 GPA and was inducted into the National Honor Society as a junior. Other ways Keeley was involved in high school include: the Spanish Club, student government, the Art Club, the school play, as well as numerous community service organizations. "I knew the first time that I went to Grace that it was somewhere that I could see myself going," Keeley said. "The girls on the team were so great, and Coach Voss was very encouraging. I really feel like it is going to be a place where I can grow educationally, athletically, and most importantly spiritually." While at Grace, Keeley plans on majoring in either psychology or early childhood development. Keeley is the daughter of Kent and Amy Booher. Nicki Meidinger - Softball
The Grace College softball team landed one of West Indianapolis's finest in second baseman Nicki Meidinger. Nicki is from Brownsburg, Ind., and is an All-Conference standout for the Brownsburg Lady Bulldogs. Nicki, who will graduate from Brownsburg in 2010, was named to the Hendricks County Flyer Top 10 all-county team after her junior season. She led Brownsburg in hits (24), drove in eight runs and also batted a solid .324 for the year. She was also named to the All-Metro West squad. "Although it's not about winning every game, I hope to help out this program," Nicki said. "The Christian values, the campus and the coaches were just right for me." Nicki is the daughter of Don and Rebecca Meidinger. Hannah Alcorn - Women's Soccer
The Grace College women's soccer team welcomes its newest member for the 2009-10 signing class in defender Hannah Alcorn. She comes from Argos, Ind., and has been a four-year letter winner for Argos High School. Alcorn, an Academic All-State honorable mention winner, was the captain for Argos her senior year. She was a 1st Team All-Conference selection for three years and also is a three-time winner of the Mental Attitude Award. She is undecided about her major but will look into Nursing at Grace. "Grace is small and close to Argos, and I love the atmosphere," Hannah said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to play and contribute to the soccer team.” Hannah is the daughter of Jon and Jacki Alcorn. Her sister, Kayla, is a current member of Grace's soccer team, and her brother, Kyle, is an assistant coach for Grace's men's soccer team. Cassie Gareiss - Women's Soccer
Cassie Gareiss has signed to continue her soccer career with the Grace College Lancers. Gareiss is from Columbia City, Ind., where she is a senior at Columbia City High School. The forward is a four-year starter who was named to the 1st Team All-Conference and 2nd Team All-State as a junior. Cassie, an outstanding student, is a member of the National Honor Society and also is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader. She has even won the Silver Key Award for graphic design, which she intends to major in while at Grace. "I feel God called me to Grace and I’m excited I get to play the sport I love with a team whose main focus is living for the Lord." Gareiss said. “I want to improve as a player and help the team reach their goals.” Cassis is the daughter of Mark and Kim Gareiss. Hilary Barnett - Volleyball
The Grace College women's volleyball team signed its second recruit of 2010 in Pewaukee, Wisc., standout Hilary Barnett. While at Grace, Hilary plans on pursuing a career in the medical field while maintaining a high GPA in her classes. Greg Miller - Men's Basketball
The Grace College men's basketball team has landed one of Northern Indiana’s finest players in North Miami High School standout Greg Miller. Jackie Seal- Women's Soccer
Jackie was a two-year captain on her school team, and she's also played club soccer for the Genesee Stars and Flint Steelers. During her junior year campaign, she scored 28 goals. She has also been on the debate team and served as class president her junior year. While at Grace she plans on majoring in political science. Currently she is interning with the Michigan Republican Party. "After visiting and meeting Coach and the girls and lots of praying and seeing God work in different areas, I feel that this is where God wants me," Jackie said. "I hope to become a better player and do whatever I can to help with the team's goal to get to Nationals." Dana Johnston-Volleyball As a senior, Dana was named to the First Team All-State after leading her team to the semifinals. She was named All-Tournament four times this year and was voted Team MVP. Dana is also a three-sport athlete at OCHS and was named Second Team All-State in soccer and First Team All-District in basketball. She is also a member of National Honor Society, honor roll, and received the National Presidential Academic Award. While at Grace, Dana intends on majoring in Business Management and Computer Information Systems. "I am excited about the opportunity for a great education and the chance to play for a great coaching staff," Dana said. "I hope to graduate with honors and help our team develop into a nationally known program."
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