For a smaller class B sized school, having one or two student-athletes move on to play college athletics is a celebrated accomplishment. Dell Rapids St Mary will have at least five athletes participate in college athletics from the 2021 graduating class. This is the most for St Mary from one class since 2004, which had nine athletes play college sports.
St Mary Athletic Director Casey Michel said, “It’s great to see our kids continuing their athletic careers at the next level. This class, and these five in particular, have spent a lot of time and effort getting themselves to this point, and it’s great to see them rewarded for their dedication. Since I’ve been at St. Mary, we’ve had three total students pursuing college athletics, so to have five from one class is pretty special and has been great to be a part of. I know these five will represent St. Mary well!
Ella Heinitz, Max Herber, Connor Libis, Sam Palmer, and Ashaun Roach-Valandra all held a signing ceremony at Dell Rapids St Mary High School on Wednesday, February 3rd.
Heinitz will be attending Augustanta University and will be running track. Palmer and Herber both signed with Mount Marty to play basketball. Libis will be playing basketball at Briar Cliff. Roach-Valandra signed to play football at the University of Sioux Falls.
Photo taken and used with permission by Lee Palmer