West De Pere advances four student-athletes to the college level

Posted Sunday, November 19, 2023 12:02 am

Arendt signs her national letter of intent after years of hardwork with her proud parents at her side. Tori Wittenbrock photos

By Tori Wittenbrock

Associate Sports Editor

DE PERE – On Wednesday, Nov. 8, West De Pere High School had four student-athletes sign their national letters of intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level.

These athletes included Faith Kibbe, Ella Arendt, Tyler Kowalcyzk and Mason Haupt.

Kibbe signed her national letter of intent to continue her track and field career at the Division I level at West Point Military Academy.

Kibbe stands with her parents on one of the biggest days of her athletic career.

“Definitely what I am most excited about is the culture of the school. When I went on my official visit, I met the team and got the chance to meet some teachers and coaches. West Point is like no other school, and I’m just so excited to be a part of such a great place that has such a great mission to serve this country and to see what that brings me in the future,” said Kibbe.

Arendt plans to attend Concordia-St. Paul University to play softball at the collegiate level.

“I really like the culture of the team. I also really like the campus because it is on the smaller side, and I wasn’t really looking for a big school or anything,” said Arendt. “Ever since I was little I have dreamed of playing softball when I’m older. I have had to sacrifice a lot of time with friends, but it’s what I like to do, so I don’t mind.”

Kowalcyzk signs his national level of intent for Northern Michigan University to continue his soccer and schooling career.

Kowalcyzk will attend Northern Michigan University next fall as a member of the men’s soccer team.

“I’m excited to play soccer there and I like the small school and the nature around it,” said Kowalcyzk. “I have practiced almost every day of the week for the past two years, and even with club soccer it could be 10 degrees outside and we are still out there practicing. It’s taken a lot to get here.”

Haup stands with his parents after officially commiting to play golf at UW- Green Bay.

Haupt said he is thrilled to be staying close to home and playing college golf for UW- Green Bay.

“I’m most excited because I have a bunch of buddies on the team and I want to see what the future brings and to help build up the program,” said Haupt.

Haupt said that though the recruiting process wasn’t always smooth sailing, he is glad to finally have a future home to continue to grow in his sport. “I didn’t have much communication at the start of the process and then I hurt my back and was out for part of the summer and couldn’t play any tournaments. This past summer I had a really good year and got some coaches on my radar and ultimately committed to Green Bay.”