WHITEHALL — When it comes to Division I athletics, very few high school athletes are targeted for that level of competition.
Whitehall High School happens to have two seniors who have signed to compete at the highest degrees of their respective sports, and they were celebrated on Thursday.
Ira Jenkins and Karli VanDuinen were highlighted during a ceremonial signing day event in the Viking Center. Jenkins has signed to wrestle at the University of Michigan, while VanDuinen has signed for bowling at Arkansas State University.
Jenkins and VanDuinen have both excelled in multiple sports at Whitehall.
Jenkins has starred in football and he’s a three-time, first-team all-stater in wrestling. Last year, he was an undefeated state champion in Division 3 at the 215-pound weight class.
VanDuinen has been all-state-caliber in bowling and golf. She’s a three-time, first-team all-stater in golf, having finished runner-up in the Division 3 state finals this fall.
Watch the video above for an interview with Jenkins and VanDuinen at their signing ceremony.
Photos by Scott DeCamp | CatchMark
