Article Contributed on: 2/8/2007 11:12:41 AM
Six athletes signed letters of intent Feb. 7 at Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch -- two soccer players and four football players.
Golden Eagles soccer coach
Theresa Echtermeyer will watch two of her players leave for Division 1 schools.
Karter Haug, a junior, will spend her collegiate days at the University of Southern California.
"The thing that is really special about Karter is that she really puts her teammates first, always," Echtermeyer said. "She's a fantastic student and a great role model."
Team captain
Josh Belfrage, who transferred to Mountain Vista, led the boy's soccer team last year to their best record in the school's history at 9-3. He will head north to play soccer at Marquette University.
"He came here not being a part of this school and immediately became a big part of our family and made our family stronger," she said.
Head football coach
Ric Cash will have some holes to fill after taking home the 5A Continental Conference championship last year.
Tight end
Cody Bakker will likely play either halfback or receiver at Chadron State College in Chadron, Neb.
"His hard work, perseverance and dedication are all very evident and Chadron is going to be very much the benefactor," Cash said. "He's very passionate about the game and I know he's going to take that with him."
Cornerback
Steve Slowik heads north to play at Michigan Tech. Coach Cash dubbed him a "shutdown corner," recalling a key interception that sealed a 7-6 win against rival Douglas County High School.
"He was in the perfect position and played it exactly the it was supposed to be played," Cash said. "He was faced with the greatest challenge each game in shutting down the other team's best receiver and he always rose the to challenge."
Wide receiver
Matt Tuten will head to Philadelphia to attend the University of Pennsylvania.
"He is a consummate professional at the high school level, if that makes sense," he said. "He understands the game. He's always thinking more than just, what is my position, what is my responsibility? He sees the bigger picture. How is this going to impact everyone else? How is this going to make us more successful?"
Linebacker
Dan Raunig will stay in Colorado to play at Mesa State in Grand Junction.
"We're certainly going to miss him but it will be great reading about him here in Colorado as well," he said.
Congratulations to all of these standout student-athletes!