Nine of Oxford’s finest athletes made plans to continue their athletic careers in college and signed letters of intent on Friday night. Between the athletes are six sports and seven colleges. Their achievement was celebrated at halftime during the record-setting boys basketball team’s game as their friends and families cheered and took pictures.

Most notable was Even Brunning, who is committed to the University of Michigan’s D1, BIG 10 conference, football program. As a Wildcat, Brunning played both offense and defense.

Brunning is excited to start practicing with legendary coach Jim Harbaugh and begin lifting weights with his fellow Wolverines this summer.

“It’s definitely a great opportunity,” he said. “I took a visit there last Saturday and I was just blown away by everything they have to offer. It’ll definitely be something special.”

But he won’t forget his Oxford roots. He said without football Head Coach Bud Rowley, he wouldn’t have gotten this far.

“He’s been there for me since my freshman year,” Brunning said. “He told me I was going to play Division 1 college football and at the time I didn’t believe him, I thought I was going to play baseball. You know, and it turns out I’m going to be playing football and it’s going to be one special thing.”

Another notable signee was Keira Veltigian, who will be part of Eastern Michigan University’s D1 diving program in the fall. As a Wildcat, Veltigian was a record setter and one of five ladies in the swim and diving program to compete at the state meet last season. She is excited to take on the Eagle logo.

“When I was a freshman, I never thought I’d be going to a D1 school, and now that I am it’s a dream come true,” she said.

She’ll miss her Wildcat team, and is thankful for what the Oxford program has taught her.

“My coaches have always pushed me and cheered me on, I will miss them dearly next year,” Veltigian said.

Heading to Michigan Tech University’s D2 football program is Austin Schlicht. Schlicht was a key senior as a fullback and outside linebacker on this year’s football squad.

Two Wildcats will play with the D2 athletic program at Northwood University in the fall. Chloe Allen signed a letter of intent to play softball and Keaton Cleland signed on to play golf.

Joining Marietta College’s D3 program is Caitlin Hill, who will play lacrosse. Two more soon-to-be D3 athletes are Sam Barrett and Karson Ultowski, who will play football and baseball, respectively, at Hope College in the fall.

Another football player and this school year’s homecoming king, Marcus Hufnagel, signed a letter of intent to play at Siena Heights University in the fall. Siena’s football program plays in the Mid-States Football Association.

OHS Athletic Director Jordan Ackerman OHS Athletic Director Jordan Ackerman encouraged the students to keep pursuing the hard work that got them to where they are as they go off to college, play their sports and work toward degrees.

“Congratulations to all of you for the hard work, sweat, tears and sacrifices you’ve endured to make this happen,” Ackerman said. “Please remember as you move forward that you are now among an elite group of student athletes, and you will be held to a higher standard. Please be sure to make positive choices by leading with integrity and always doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.”

And of course, they’ll always have a home in Oxford.

“Do not let anyone outwork you on the field or in the classroom, and continue to make Oxford Community Schools proud,” Ackerman said.