Local athletes move on to college level competition
(first of a series)
by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor
From softball, volleyball to wrestling, Presque Isle County athletes have gone on to bigger and better things following their high school glory days.
More than 15 young people from the three county high schools have gone on to play at the collegiate level, and many are doing very well in their jump to the next level, which is a credit to the coaches and programs from the county.
Here is part one of a two part series providing an update on how the athletes are progressing at their respective colleges.
Jena Tulgestke, the daughter of Duane and Heidi Tulestke of Rogers City, completed her first season with the Lake Superior State University Lakers volleyball team this past fall and got in all 25 matches (72 of 77 sets).
In Rogers City, she was a middle hitter and went on to earn all-state honors with the Hurons, but since joining the Lakers she has been moved to outside hitter and led the team in kills in seven matches during the fall season and finished third on the team in kills.
It’s a young team that only graduated one seniors; however, it appears Jena will be part of a solid core at LSSU in the upcoming years.
The 2015 RCHS graduate is planning to major in education.
Lexi Szymoniak (5’ 9”), the daughter of Scot and Liz Szymoniak of Onaway, plays volleyball at Lawrence Technological University in metro Detroit.
The outside hitter came out of the Onaway volleyball program as an all-state selection and started every match in her first season in Southfield and finished with 160 kills, which was fifth best on the roster. She played the second most sets at 132.
Living in a suburb on the border of Detroit, she is adjusting well to city life and studying architecture, and according to her father, doing well in school.
Patrick Dunn, who is the son of Matt and Melissa Dunn of Onaway, is playing men’s basketball with the Adrian Bulldogs.
The freshman battled a back injury that set him back a month, but he played in his first game Tuesday night against Elmhurst College. He scored and fouled in the contest.
Dunn, who is on the Michigan High School Athletic Association single-season rebound record board, is majoring in video game animation design.
Patrick has an on-campus part-time job as well working for the Adrian College Art Department. He has grown an inch since graduating high school and is at a solid six-foot-six inches tall.
Korynn Hincka (6’ 1”), who is the daughter of Eric and Tammy Hincka of Posen, is playing her second year with the Grand Valley State University Lady Lakers.
The sophomore has appeared in all five of the Lakers games this season and has 17 points and 20 rebounds. She is 2-for-2 at the free throw line and also has made one three.
Posen’s all-time leading scorer and the holder of all the major basketball scoring records appeared in 27 games during her freshman season in Allendale and ranked second on the team with 22 blocks. Her best game as a freshman was 10 points and 13 boards against Rochester College in November 2104.
She also saw action in both GLIAC tournament games last season.
Korynn is majoring in physical therapy.
Kelleigh Lamb, the daughter of Richard and Riconda Lamb of Rogers City, is a member of the Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) dance team as a senior. She was a member of Alpena’s Dance Centre’s competitive team all four years of high school.
It is her fourth year on the dance squad, which performs at CUAA football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball games.
In a preliminary event earlier this fall, CUAA qualified for the national competition at Daytona Beach, Florida in April 2016.
Kelleigh was on the 2013 team, which placed sixth in the NCA and NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship at Daytona.
Kelleigh is a communications major at CUAA and will graduate in May 2016.
Courtney Streich, who is the daughter of Ed and Paula Streich of Rogers City, is a sophomore infielder on the Central Michigan University softball team.
Her playing time was limited as a freshman at the Division 1 school, and it may not be any easier in 2016, with 28 on the roster.
Streich,
The starting senior shortstop was injured and red shirted, so playing time will be limited at that position.
Courtney is a versatile athlete and is willing to take on any role. She has been going in with the pitchers every day, all the while juggling finals, to learn more about calling the game and all the skills.
Courtney just signed her major for therapeutic recreation. She’ll minor in event management.
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The Advance will feature more athletes in future editions.