Lakeville South Athletes Commit to Colleges at Signing Celebration

Five Cougar student athletes signed scholarships to division one and two schools on Wednesday morning at the Signing Celebration.

, Riley West, and Spencer Pankonin—members of the South boy’s basketball squad that made it to the state tournament—were among the five athletes who committed to a future of college athletics. Also among the five were Caleb Segar, a wide receiver on the Cougar football team, and Meagan Barry, who was a captain on the girl’s cross country team.  

The celebration started as Lakeville South Athletic Director Neil Strader told the athletes not to forget how they got to where they are, and to take time to remember those who helped them get there. He then reached into his pocket, pulled out five quarters, placed one on the table in front of every athlete, took time to explain what a pay phone was, and told them to use the quarter to call the ones they loved.

The coaches of the athletes then took some time to say a few words about the kids they’ve nurtured and supported for their high-school career.

“I’m proud of everyone who earned a scholarship,” Head Boy’s Basketball Coach John Sheehan said of his players. “It just shows how competitive our program was.”

Al Richter, the standout forward and member of the Star Tribune’s 2010-2011 All-Metro basketball team, signed a full-ride to Augustana to play for Tom Billeter and the Vikings. Richter leaves Lakeville South as the school’s all-time leading scorer and averaged 23 points and seven rebounds per game during his senior season. He will be hoping to add some scoring power to a Vikings squad that ended the 2010-2011 season with an 18-9 record and in third place in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

But Al Richter isn’t the only one who will be competing in the NSIC. Guard Riley West signed with Upper Iowa University.  The Peacocks were 8-18 overall during the 2010-2011 season and finished in the number 13 position in the NSIC. Center Spencer Pankonin will also be competing in the same conference. He signed with Northern State University, and looks to be a physical presence on the Wolves roster.

Cross Country Running Head Coach Jessica Just also had good words to say of Meagan Barry, who was a leader and hard worker throughout her career as a runner at South. She will be running at Creighton University this fall, choosing Creighton because of its physical therapy program and strong overall academic programs.

Head Football Coach Larry Thompson also had good words about Caleb Seger, who spent his time on the football team catching the football for the Cougars. He'll be headeding to University of Minnesota-Crookston to play football. Thompson told those who were gathered that Seger was a not only a good football player but a good person.

“I can’t wait to see you get that computer going up there and get to work,” Thompson said to Seger.

The athletes then took some time to sign and pose for pictures in front of their parents and supporters. Those gathered also enjoyed donuts and orange juice while Strader gave the final words of the morning, which assured the athletes of the school’s pride in their accomplishments.

“We are only six years into this thing, a lot of people forget that, yet every year we churn out at least ten division one or two signees,” Strader said. “It reaffirms what we are doing here. We are preparing kids for the next level.”