Tabor signs seven student-athletes
Seven student-athletes have signed letters of intent to participate in various athletic programs during the 2006-07 year.
Andrea Batista, Hagerman, N.M., will participate in the volleyball and women's track and field programs.
"Andrea came to visit Tabor late this spring, but we couldn't be more pleased to have her on the squad," said head volleyball coach Amy Ratzlaff. "She is extremely fast and strong. Andrea knows how to work hard and will be an irreplaceable part of our setter team."
The 5-1 setter/defensive specialist lettered four years at Dexter High School and was named MVP. She had the best serve percentage (96.6 percent) and was a 1A-5A Top 10 Referee's Pick for southwest New Mexico. DHS claimed the conference championship for two years and were runners-up for two years. Other athletic accomplishments include: all district, Hustle Award, Fighting Heart Award, and Gatorade "Will to Win" honors.
Head track coach Dave Kroeker also is excited to have her join his program.
"She will definitely help us in the sprints," he said.
Batista competed in the 100M, 200M and 4x1 and 4x2 medleys. She received the Sprint Award, the Lindsey Callaway Dedication and Discipline Award, and was named Most Spirited. The five-year letterwinner also qualified for state five years, in which she was a medalist for four years.
Her academic accomplishments include: National Honor Society president, Skills USA president, Public Relations class council, Character Counts Award, Who's Who Among American High School Students, National Honor Roll, Star Scholar, All-State Academic Team and Outstanding Excellence in Trigonometry, Calculus and Geometry.
Jessica Burden, Little Elm, Texas, will participate in the women's soccer and track and field programs.
She is a 5-5 forward on the soccer field.
"Jessica will bring athleticism and toughness to our team," said head soccer coach Herb Wiebe. "I am really looking forward to coaching her this fall."
At Little Elm High School, Burden competed in the 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and pole vault. She currently holds the records for these three events. She was named the girls' track athlete of the year her freshman and junior years.
"Jessica is a great addition to our team," said Kroeker. "She will make an immediate impact on our winning a conference championship. She will also be a wonderful addition to our campus. I'm excited about her joining the TC family."
She is the daughter of Kim Craft and Mark Burden, Little Elm.
Anthony Cruz of Westminster, Colo., signed a letter of intent to participate in the men's soccer and track and field programs.
Cruz has sat out the last three years while attending community college and working after graduating from Horizon High School.
"He is a natural leader and will be a great field general for us in a defensive role," said Wiebe. "He also brings a high level of skill and strong work ethic. Anthony will definitely have an immediate impact."
Adam McPeck of Gettysburg, S.D., signed to the men's track and field program.
The team co-captain from Gettysburg High School participated in the 800M run and was the Gatorade Rookie of the Year in 2004. Also that year, he placed sixth in the 800M run at the South Dakota state track meet. He competed in that meet for the past three years. He had first and second place finishes in the 1600M relay in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
"I am very excited about Adam becoming a part of our mean's track program," said Kroeker. "He will bring great athleticism to a strong group of athletes in both open events and relays."
McPeck currently is ranked among the top eight leaders in the South Dakota Boys Class B 800M run.
He is the son of Scott and Colleen McPeck, Gettysburg.
Chelsea Lane Schuckman of Wichita, is a 5-4 midfielder who will join the women's soccer team,
"I think Chelsea can really expand her game in our program and become a solid contributor to our team," said Wiebe.
Schuckman will be coming to Tabor from Wichita Heights School.
She is the daughter of Tammy Bone, Wichita.
Courtney Tarrer of The Colony, Texas, will also participate in the women's soccer program.
"Courtney is a strong defender," said Wiebe. "She will have an immediate impact on our team next season."
The 5-3 fullback was a varsity starter and all-district team pick her freshman year. She was named player of the year her junior season and second team all-district her senior season.
She is the daughter of Raymond and Linda Tarrer, The Colony.
Aubrey Whitehorn of Duncanville, Texas, signed a letter of intent to participate in the women's soccer program.
Whitehorn, a 5-7 goalkeeper, lettered three years at Duncanville High School. She was first team all-district in 2005, and first team all-district and DHS defense MVP in 2006.
"Aubrey will impact our team more than any other person next year," said Wiebe. "A goalie of her caliber will give us a chance to win every game we play next season."
She is the daughter of James and Janie Whitehorn, Duncanville.
