Colleges Sign TC’s MVPs

Any way it’s looked at, the college process is difficult. Deciding between schools, the applications, keeping grades up and figuring out how to pay for tuition all contribute to the significant stress that seniors often find themselves under during the first semester. However for three T.C. students that headache is all over.
Adam Forrer, Grace Barbara and Kim Poff are just three of the thousands of students who will be signing letters of intent this year. What this means is that they have been recruited by a college or university to play a sport at that particular school and play for their varsity sport. Talented student athletes often entertain offers from numerous schools, and signing a letter of intent means that the student has agreed to attend that particular school. On Thursday, November 12, Adam Forrer signed a letter of intent to play baseball for the University of Richmond. Forrer seemed excited at the prospect of applying early to Richmond. On why he decided to pick Richmond above all others, he said, “Richmond was the right fit. Then with college stuff out of the way I can focus on the upcoming baseball season.”
Says Adam’s coach Andrew Simpson, “Richmond is a perfect opportunity for Adam. They’re giving him a scholarship to play Division I baseball, while also providing him with a first-rate education. I’m very proud of Adam and I know he will continue to represent T.C. very well.”
Kim Poff, a coxswain for the girls’ varsity eight, is also one of the lucky few to be recruited early, yet her decision was made not only because the school seemed like the right fit, but because of the very real financial aspect of going to college. She decided to go to the University of Tulsa, located in Oklahoma, instead of an Ivy League school because, as she said, “My other offer of an official visit was at Princeton, but they can’t give athletic aid. No matter what aid they gave me Tulsa would already be cheaper.”
T.C. Girls’ Head Coach Jon Schildknecht added, “Any time a T.C. athlete receives a scholarship to continue their athletic career in college, it is a success for the individual, the team and the Titan athletic program.”
Yet though the financial offer may be something from every senior’s dream, it isn’t the only reason Poff chose Tulsa. As she said, “I’m excited to go out West. I’ve never done that before.”
Grace Barbara was also influenced by what proved to be an irresistible scholarship from Indiana University. However she cites other reasons for choosing IU, saying “Someone who graduated two years ago [Cara Donley] from the crew team also goes there. It’s also far enough away without being too far.” Though Barbara hadn’t previously thought of IU or any other school as her top choice, “the official visit helped make my decision.”
Barbara, who rowed stroke seat for the varsity eight, is excited about all the changes. Equally happy is former Girls’ Head Coach Steve Weir, saying, “It’s gratifying to see Grace develop into a freshman college athlete.”
College is a very important decision in a person’s life. What college or university one attends can decide not only the amount of debt they have hanging over their heads, but also can change who you are or how you think. The years spent working to get into that perfect fit school can be tough, but as Adam, Grace and Kim prove, the excitement of finding that perfect school is more than worth it.