This next round of seniors who signed their letters of commitment are headlined by some of the best athletes in the area.
Dillon Morlock has made a habit of winning state over the past two seasons, Allie McMillen and his teammates set a whole new set of standards for West Holmes girls soccer with their trip to state last fall, and Corey Vermiglia is writing a new record booker in Loudonville.
Ultimately, it’s about chasing dreams and turning them into reality, which each of them has accomplished.
“There is no substitute for hard work,” said Morlock, who submitted his letter of intent to MSU as a track and field athlete, but has not yet held an official ceremony at Norwegen. “This doesn’t always mean long hours, although good work shines through much more than just the work. Perform every rep and drill at the highest level and with the highest quality possible. Once you give everything you can in practice, it comes easy.” “
McMillen signed her letter of intent to continue her football career at the University of Akron in a ceremony at West Holmes High School.
“I am very excited to continue my football career,” she said. “This has always been a goal of mine as an athlete, so being able to accomplish this gave me a whole lot of emotions. I’m looking forward to playing with and against Division I athletes, because it will help me reach my full potential as an athlete.” Footballer.”
The big draw for Morlock to MSU was the opportunity of a lifetime — a chance to throw with his brother Colby, who won state in the discus in 2021 before continuing his career with the Spartans.
“The opportunity I have is one in a million, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it,” Morlock said. “Not only will I be able to reach the Div. I Big Ten Conference level, but I will be working alongside my brother, who has been my biggest role model in life.
“I’m very different from my brother, and I wasn’t sure if another college would be a better fit for me, but I was wrong. I couldn’t be happier with my decision and the opportunity to work with him again.”
If there were any doubts, his official visit sealed the agreement.
“From my communication with the coaches there, I always felt like they wanted to visit me,” Morlock added. “I had visited my brother there less than a few times, so I was familiar with the campus, but my official visit changed my perspective. I walked off campus knowing that Michigan State is where I belong.”
Morlock will be majoring in agricultural engineering, and as one of the region’s most popular athletes, he spoke about what he has learned through the process and the advice he would give to aspiring young people across the region.
“Hiring can be stressful at times, but at the end of the day, it’s your hiring process, and you’re the one who makes the decision, after all is said and done. Do what’s best for you,” he said. “I also enjoyed it a lot. It gives you the opportunity to talk to high-level coaches in a sport that I feel very passionate about. When I can talk to someone who is really interested in throwing, I always have a great time.”
McMillen helped lead her Knights team to the sectional. The second state semifinals last season and along the way set a whole level of expectations for the program. They won the program’s first district title since 2013, captured its first-ever regional title and made the program’s first state appearance. That was not lost on West Holmes’ distinguished seniors.
“For me to say going to state was fun is a complete understatement,” McMillen said. “Our run to the tournament was filled with beautiful memories that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. It was a great experience to be a part of, and it’s great to show your team’s hard work. I’m so lucky to have the Lady Knights to captain, and I’m grateful for the support the community has given us.” “
Along the way, the Knights continued to provide great role models for their youth and McMillen was one of them. I gave them this advice:
“Never be averse to asking for help, the recruiting process is different for everyone. So be open to building relationships with as many players and coaches as possible,” McMillen said. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. I’m always willing to help anyone who asks for some guidance as to what they want their next steps to be during the recruiting process. Chase your dreams.”
One of her colleagues in this process was Callie Woods, who was a prominent advocate for West Holmes during her career. Woods signed her letter of intent at the ceremony to continue her career at Lake Erie College.
“Academically, I thought I could thrive there with their smaller class sizes and wanted to find a place where I could continue playing soccer and my academic career,” Woods said.
She will major in education, and this fall, she will enjoy her final season of softball, playing with her sister.
“It was a lot of fun, I’ve been playing with her since I was eight years old and it was a fun experience,” she said. “I’m really excited to play for Lake Erie College and I think we’re going to succeed.”
As for the signing, Woods admitted it was a heavy weight on her shoulders and what a way to cap off an amazing season.
“It’s been a long journey, we started from day one and went to the Wooster League to practice live,” she added. “It helped me as a player as I was striving to be the best player I could be for my team. The whole team really bought into that.”
Her sister, Kenzie, signed her letter of intent to continue her softball career at the University of Findlay.
“I am so grateful to have had this opportunity,” Kenzi said. “I’ve always wanted to play a team sport and now I have this opportunity. I feel relieved and grateful for this accomplishment.”
During her high school career, Kinsey excelled as a golfer and on the diamond. Over her three years, she hit .436, with 27 doubles, scored 62 and drove in 75, while doubling as one of the area’s top golfers in the fall.
“It means so much for so many different reasons,” she said. “I’m grateful to have been able to play all four years of my high school career especially since COVID-19.
“The thing that was really special for me was spending the last four years with my sister by my side. I never realized how difficult it would be to not have Callie on the same team next year after all the years we spent together playing, traveling and high school.” These are moments I will never forget. “All the friendships I have made over the past four years I will cherish because everyone has played a part in my journey.”
The trio was joined by McMillen and Woods’ teammates Addison Yoder, Natalie Rohr, Keegan Uhl and Hunter Aurand.
Yoder and Uhl were major leaguers in softball as Uhl hit .543, with 11 doubles, 33 runs scored and 31 RBIs last season. Yoder hit .365, scored 24 runs, threw 62.2 innings and posted a 6-6 record. Yoder chose Otterbein University and Uhl signed with Shawnee State University.
Rohr was a big part of the Knights’ defense with Cali Woods and was hitting the ground running with her booming kicks. Rohr chose to go to Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Ourand hit .291 last season with nine doubles, 21 runs scored and 22 RBIs and signed his letter of intent to continue baseball at Lake Erie College.
Oroville standout golfer, Abby Ankenman, has made a name for herself on local golf courses. She shines as one of the best golfers in the area, and at a ceremony at her school, she signed her letter of intent to pursue her future at Glenville State University.
Cori Vermiglia, a Loudonville standout and one of the area’s top girls basketball players, has signed her letter of intent to pursue her future at Div. Ashland University II.
Throughout her years with the Redbirds, Vermilya has been a key component of one of the brightest girls basketball programs of all time. Teammate Sophia Spangler has been a big part of the girls basketball program over the past year and has signed her letter of intent to pursue her future at Tiffin University.
The college football world is abuzz with excitement as Dillon Morlock, a highly touted high school quarterback, prepares to take his talents to Michigan State. With an impressive arm and natural leadership abilities, Morlock has already earned a reputation as a standout talent in the recruiting world. As he sets his sights on making an impact at the collegiate level, all eyes are on Morlock as he prepares to lead the Michigan State Spartans to victory on the gridiron.