Big Rapids added to their large list of college-bound athletes on Thursday with 10 more signees. A full ceremony event was held at the Big Rapids High School yesterday afternoon with eight of the athletes in attendance, along with coaches, teachers, family, fans, and media.

“Today’s event is easily one of my favorites each year,” Athletic Director Dawn Thompson said. “It is a great opportunity to highlight our student-athletes as they look to compete at the next level, but more importantly we will see where they will continue their academic career.”

Here’s a look at the following student athletes that inked their national letters of intent along with some notes about their careers:

• Kaleb Dubowski, Calvin University, Football and Track & Field
  • All-state, region, conference, and area honoree in 2023. Helped the Cardinals earn back-to-back conference championships and a district championship this past fall. Played as a three-way starter as a defensive back, receiver, and kick returner. Averaged over 25 yards per reception and registered eight touchdowns.
• Jace Heck, Alma College, Football
  • All-state, region, conference, and area honoree in 2023. Converted 39 of 44 extra points. Also had 16 catches and nine yards per catch as a receiver. Earned two conference championships and a district title this past fall.  
• Dawson Kilpatrick, Muskegon Community College, Wrestling
  • Racked up 101 career wins in his career, including 53 of them by fall. Two-time first-team all-conference selection and one-time honorable mention. Recognized for his work ethic and leadership within the program.
• Cailin Knoop, Calvin University, Softball
  • Four-time varsity starter and Pioneer Dream team selection. Also two-time all-district and one-time all-region team selection. Career 41-2 record with a 1.15 E.R.A. this season. Also hitting .509 this season with 32 RBI’s and 17 extra base hits.
• Tyler Neil, William Penn University, Soccer
  • Helped team claim conference championship this past fall. Earned first-team all-CSAA honors. Scored five goals and three assists in junior season. Known for his versatility and passion for the game.
• Charles Roberts, Calvin University, Track & Field
  • Personal record of 5’ 10” in the high jump this season. Among one of Big Rapids’ top contributors for the track team. Quoted to be a consistent competitor and improving every week. 
• Christian Smits, Bluffton University, Soccer
  • Two-time all-CSAA first-team selection. Key contributor for CSAA championship team this past fall. Known for his focus and unselfishness as a good passer. 
• Zach Steers, Grand Rapids Community College, Golf
  • Four-year varsity starter for Cardinal program. Helped win two regional championships and a runner-up team finish at the state finals. First-team all-CSAA his junior year. Played in over 60 tournaments throughout his career.
• Ella Tucci, Delta College, Soccer
  • Three-year team captain, including being the youngest captain in program history. Four-time academic all-state honoree. Helped Cardinals win three consecutive district titles. Three-time all-conference and all-district honoree. Seven goals and 11 assists in four-year careers.
• Teresa Vance, Olivet Nazarene University, Soccer
  • All-region and all-state honorable mention last season. Three-time all-CSAA and all-district selection. 13 goals and 13 assists over four-year career. Picked as captain senior year. Known for her love of the game. 

These signees will join four other Cardinal seniors that have already signed their letters, which includes Toledo softball signee Marissa Warren, Davenport golf signee Preston Younge, Ferris State track signee Oliviah Malloy, and Northwood football signee Riley Vennix.

(Photo provided by Athletic Director Dawn Thompson).