Four National Letters of Intent: Looking Forward, Looking Back

By Jillian Daley

It was standing room-only at about 5 p.m. May 18 in the entry hall of North Marion High School. The baseball team, uniforms and all, were shoulder to shoulder with students, families, coaches, and staff. Stacked on tables festooned with balloons were dessert trays covered in cupcakes topped with sprinkles — in three college colors.

The festivities celebrated the second National Letter of Intent event that North Marion has held in person since before the pandemic era. The letter-signing signifies that a student is committing to playing on an athletic team in college. 

The guests of honor, three graduating seniors, and their schools of choice were: Megan Netter, Bushnell University for beach volleyball; Vivian McCullough, Pacific University for golf; and Evan Holman, Bellevue College for baseball. A ceremony for Mallory Patzer, who signed for soccer at Central Washington University, took place a couple weeks ago.

Before she signed during last week’s ceremony, McCullough expressed what all the students were probably feeling when they signed their name, committing to their college.

“I’m emotional,” said McCullough, who is majoring in art and design. “I’m leaving a lot behind, but I’m also excited to start something.”

Meanwhile, her father and her coach, Terry McCullough, summed up what everyone else there was most likely feeling.

“I’m proud,” he said, quietly.

Before students depart for college, these signings stand as a reminder to them of all of those like McCullough who have supported and guided them for so many years, especially during the pandemic. 

“It’s nice to share these special moments that we couldn’t for the past two years,” Athletic Director Mark Sundquist said. “Events like this are what make the North Marion community strong.”

Holman, who is interested in studying exercise science, is certainly a strong person, and player, according to his coach.

“Now that the future is in front of him, he is going to succeed because of his work ethic and because he is a good player,” Baseball Coach Randy Brack told the crowd.

In fact Holman’s such a hard worker that he had to leave the event early for a game, exiting with the baseball team and the coaches and leaving a massive people gap in the gathering. But before he stepped away, Holman mentioned that he was touched by all that the organizers had done. 

“It’s a cool set-up, and they did a great job,” he said. “They really made me feel appreciated.”

JV Volleyball Head Coach Tim Netter also expressed his thanks to the North Marion Community for all that they had done to support his daughter in her volleyball career, and all student athletes.

“I appreciate North Marion for fostering young athletes and encouraging them,” he said.

Head Volleyball Coach Lindy Wing demonstrated that support, congratulating Megan Netter and noting that she wasn’t simply a team captain, but a leader. Wing said she couldn’t wait to hear what happened next for Netter. 

Netter is thrilled for college but also deeply felt the joy of the moment.

“It’s good to know all of my work has paid off,” said Netter, who is double majoring in exercise/kinesthesiology and coaching, just before signing her letter of intent. 

A little while after everyone had signed, Patzer stopped in to congratulate the other students. Just like McCullough, Patzer said she is envisioning the future and all the promise that new life holds.

“I’m so excited to just go,” she said. “I’m going to miss my friends, family, and this town, but it’s so exciting to have a new experience.”

If that crowded front area was any indication, the families, the teams, and the staff will certainly miss these four students too. But the feeling of pride in all they have done remains. 

To share stories on the North Marion School District, email Communications Specialist Jillian Daley at jillian.daley@nmarion.k12.or.us.