National Signing Day is a big deal for not only the high school juniors and seniors signing their letter of intent to attend a college but also for the underclassmen who witness it. Students who wanted to be part of the event were allowed to leave their seventh-hour class and head down to the common area where there was a table, podium, and a Raider backdrop setup for the signees to sit in front of. The local press was able to ask a few questions and it was a big deal for kids, but that changed this year.

When initially asked about the signing day, Trent Hanson, Athletic Director had this to say:

“We are not doing traditional signing days anymore if we have kids that do sign.  We are moving that signing day recognition to an end-of-year event that we'll be hosting for the first time this year, kind of like our own Hastings athletics version of the ESPYs.  More info to come in spring, we'll invite [local media] for sure. We'll honor conference and section champions, MSHSL award winners, coach of the year winners, athletes committing to college sports, etcetera, all at that same event.”

Many students expressed disappointment with the decision to not hold a signing event at the school. To them, it was a big deal watching the juniors and seniors sign each year and it was motivational to want to be up there, to sign in front of their friends and family. Many Raider athletes were upset they lost out on that opportunity, so much so, they decided to hold their own signing events at Dugarel’s Bar and Grill, one of the biggest supporters of Raider sports in Hastings.

Nine Raider athletes signed their collegiate letters of intent at Dugarel’s on March 7th. They each provided some information on the school they are attending and why.

Jonathan Bezdicek

Bezdicek is attending the University of St. Thomas and running track while studying Computer Engineering.

“I chose St. Thomas because it is close to home, and because it's a good school to surround myself with people who push me to be better. To Coaches:  Koch was always calm and pushed me as an athlete and a person. He always knew what I needed to succeed. Coach Eliasson told me I would break school records if I continued to do track. Coach Strain taught me leadership on the football field and to work for what I want.”

Gavin Odman

Odman will play baseball at Dakota County Technical College. His area of interest is Psychology.

“I’m choosing here because of the pitching development and the successful history they have had with pitchers. I’d like to thank Ryan Stoffel because he has meant the world to me as a baseball player and as a person. I would also like to thank Minnesota Mash for assisting my development as well.”

Danny Millner

Millner will be attending Luther College and playing football while studying Exercise Science and Kinesiology.

“I chose Luther because I really connected with the coaches. Thank you to all the coaches I have had throughout all of my sports.  I couldn't have achieved this without any of my coaches' help.”

Mitchell Iliff

Iliff is attending the University of Sioux Falls and playing baseball while studying business or exercise science.

“I chose U of Sioux Falls because I liked the coaches, the size of the school and they play in a very good baseball conference. I want to thank all the coaches that have taken the time to work with me, and I also want to thank those who believed in me!”

Michael Johnson

Johnson is attending St. Mary's University of MN and playing tennis while majoring in Nursing.

“I chose St Mary's University because I loved the campus and the city of Winona. It's been a privilege to be a part of the Hastings tennis program, and to be coached by Marissa Welch, "Mick" Willette, Alex Zuzek and Andy Larson.”

Payton Burow

Burrow is attending Valley City State and playing football while majoring in Psychology.

“I chose Valley City State because it was the best financial offer. I want to thank my coaches and teammates for helping me develop into the player and student athlete I am today. Without them I would not have the opportunity to continue at the next level.”

Ava McNamara

McNamara is attending Oakland University Michigan and swimming while majoring in Biomedical Engineering.

“I would like to thank all of my coaches, teammates and family for helping me get to where I am today.”

Charlie Williams

Williams will be attending Bemidji State University and playing golf while majoring in Business.

“I chose BSU because of the very competitive golf team and the great environment of the school. I would like to thank all my coaches over the years and especially my parents and grandparents for always supporting me.”

Eddie Peine

Peine is attending Northern State University and playing baseball while majoring in Exercise Science.

“I chose NSU because they were very upfront with me and made it clear that I was wanted at the school. It is also a smaller school and I liked that because it reminded me of home. Thank you to Ryan Seleski for being a big par in getting my name out there to college coaches and speaking to them on my behalf. Thank you to Garrett Retka for all the extra time at the cages working to become a better hitter. Thank you to Ryan Stoffel for letting me be myself on the baseball field.”

A huge thank you goes out to Melissa Millner for the work of putting this signing day together and for helping gather the information for the article. Congratulations to all of the Hastings Raiders moving on to play at the next level!