Hard work pays off for ten athletes at Kaneland High School who signed to different colleges today.

Seniors Brandon Bishop, Joe Komel, Gary Koehring, Tyler Slamans, Justin Diddell, Dylan Nauert all signed for the sport of football. Along with those seniors, Jess Coia and Delaney Stryczek sign for Soccer; Kyle Carter and Sydney Strang sign for track and cross country. All these athletes are committing to different colleges except the duo of Nauert and Koehring, who signed to the same college.

Soccer

Senior Jess Coia has committed to Carroll University in Wisconsin for the sport of soccer. Her position on the field will be outside midfield, and she is looking forward to starting in the fall.

“I’m ready to take the next step and moving on to college,” Coia said.

She chose this college because she really enjoyed the environment of the campus and the people and staff on the soccer team. Coia has set high goals for herself for her college years and plans to work hard and do the best she can in school and on the field.

Another soon to be KHS graduate that will be playing soccer in college is Delaney Stryczek. She has committed to Hiram College in Ohio and will be playing defensive center midfield.

Stryczek has also set high goals for herself at this college for her future. She plans to succeed in all her classes along with succeeding on field and graduate with a nursing degree. Stryczek can’t wait to begin her new and bright future.

“I cannot wait to graduate and start the next step of my life surrounded by great people,” Stryczek said.

Cross Country and Track

Senior Kyle Carter has committed to Southern Illinois University, and the coaches can’t wait to have him. He has signed to run track and cross country and is excited to see what the college has to offer.
Also signing for track and cross country, senior Sydney Strang is committing to Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne and is hoping to get good grades and major in biology.

“The academics and the great team and coaches really made me want to go to this school,” Strang said.

Football

The senior football season is over for Kaneland athletes, but for some it has just begun. Gary Koehring and Dylan Nauert will be continuing on their football careers at the University of St. Cloud State. They are the first Kaneland athletes to attend this Division II football program.

The signing process is very long and strenuous. Koehring believes he now has something that he has accomplished and can be truly proud of.

“It made me feel complete. All the hard work and dedication paid off and the stress of choosing a college was lifted. It made me feel good to sign with St. Cloud which was cool to be apart of something new,” Koehring said. “I think St. Cloud is very awesome. I get to play the sport I love, be with my best friend for another five years, and get the education necessary to start my career.”

Koehring and Nauert have been long time best friends, and have always talked about going to the same college, and now it has become a reality.

Nauert, who had other opportunities to run track collegiately, chose football instead. He also felt the emotions that most athletes feel after signing.

“After signing I was just very excited and anxious, it was very relieving,” Nauert said.

What led Nauert to his commitment was also the educational opportunities and Koehring’s commitment. The best friends complement each other on and off of the football field.

“It’s awesome. We’ve been best friends since 6th grade and it’s gonna be cool to keep playing with each other for the next couple of years,” Nauert said.

One of the biggest signing for colleges this year is senior Joe Komel, earning a full ride scholarship to Central Michigan University.

“I can’t wait to start and meet my new teammates,” Komel said.

Komel will be playing offensive tackle for the Chippewas. He was influenced to go to Central Michigan because they are known for having a great line and many have gone to to the NFL.

  Also signing to play college football was senior Tyler Slamans. Slamans got a partial scholarship to the University of Western Illinois to play tight end for their football team.

“I’m nervous but also excited to see what my future is going to be like,” said Slamans. “”Its a very good school and close to home.”

Senior Brandon Bishop will be attending the University of Iowa in the fall and couldn’t be happier. Bishop will be a walk-on to the Hawkeyes, and is excited to be attending the upcoming camp with his future teammates.

“I can’t wait to go to lifting, watch the games and report to the camp,” Bishop said.

Senior Justin Diddell committed to Indiana State University. He enjoys the environment that the school has to offer and can’t wait to attend there in the fall. Planning to focus on school and football, like most college athletes, he is wanting to be in the starting line-up by his sophomore year.