Name: Ian Bennett

High school: Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic

Hometown: Altoona

Sport: Football

Position: Long snapper

College choice: Juniata

Other colleges considered: Harvard, Duke, Pitt

Why I picked Juniata football: “To enjoy making friends and to add to my college experience.”

Greatest high school achievement: “Being valedictorian.”

Coach Justin Wheeler’s quote: “Extremely hard working and talented player who was BG’s valedictorian so he was also extremely bright, which made him easy to coach. His work ethic and desire to be the best will make him extremely successful not only in college but in life.”

How I got my start playing football: “Started playing in fourth grade.”

Favorite college growing up: Penn State

Other interests: Science, volleyball, lifting weights

What getting to play in college means to me: “It is truly something special.”

Probable college major: Biology/Pre-Med

Parents: Mark and Amy Bennett

Name: Makenna Redfern

High school: Portage Area

Sport: Softball

Position: Outfield

College choice: Geneva

Other colleges considered: Waynesburg, Saint Vincent, Juniata, Susquehanna

Why I picked Geneva: “The campus was just so beautiful, and I loved the family atmosphere. I went on a tour, and multiple people knew the tour guide by his first name, which gave me the perspective of how close the community is. I also got the chance to spend two weekends with the softball team on campus, and I could truly see myself being there with the great girls and coaches.”

Greatest high school achievement: “Hitting my first home run in the 2021 District 6 1A playoffs against Williamsburg.”

Coach MaKena Baumgardner’s quote: “Makenna has played a large role in the success of Portage softball throughout her career. I know she will bring those same opportunities to Geneva’s softball team, and I cannot wait to watch all the great things she will accomplish.”

How I got my start playing softball: “I got my start playing softball after watching my older brother play baseball my whole childhood. After going to batting lessons and practices with him and my dad, I started to love what I was doing. I later started 8u softball in the PAYA summer league.”

Favorite college growing up: Penn State

Other interests: Fishing, watching hockey, creating art, hanging out with friends and family

What getting to play in college means to me: “Getting to play softball in college means the absolute world to me. I feel so grateful to be able to continue playing the sport I love, all thanks to my family, coaches and teammates.”

Probable college major: Nursing

Parents: Johnny Redfern and Denise Fordick

Name: Madelyn Hudak

High school: Portage Area

Sport: Track and field

Event: Javelin

College choice: Bucknell

Other colleges considered: Elon, Saint Francis, United States Naval Academy, Pitt

Why I picked Bucknell: “Academic rigor, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, and beautiful and safe campus .”

Greatest high school achievement: “Returning to play my senior year after undergoing ACL reconstruction my junior year.”

Coach Lance Hudak’s quote: “On behalf of Mustang track and field, we want to congratulate Madelyn on her acceptance to Bucknell and the opportunity to compete at the Division I level. The academics and athletics offered in Lewisburg are second to none and will challenge her to become both a better student and athlete. We are so very proud of Maddy and excited to watch her grow as a Bison.”

How I got my start in track and field: “I grew up playing baseball and softball, and my dad realized I had a pretty good arm. I was never too fond of running, but I knew I wanted to be part of the track community. I got a hold of the javelin at a young age, and it just stuck.”

Favorite college growing up: The Naval Academy

Other interests: Basketball, cheerleading, softball, concert/marching band

What getting to compete in college means to me: “Playing at the next level means the world. It allows me to continue my athletics in addition to enrolling in much more rigorous academics. Athletics give me that stress-relief and sort of familiarity that I want and need.”

Probable college major: Neuroscience

Parents: Lance and Celena Hudak

Name: Andrew Miko

High school: Portage Area

Sport: Baseball

Position: Outfield

College choice: Washington & Jefferson

Other colleges considered: Lebanon Valley, Seton Hill, Juniata

Why I picked Washington & Jefferson: “I visited the college, and the coaches and players were extremely welcoming. I could tell that the coaches and players were committed to the sport and committed to helping their team succeed on and off the field. I’m excited to be a part of such a strong program and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Greatest high school achievement: “Winning three District 6 championships for basketball.”

Coach Larry McCabe’s quote: “Andrew is committed and plays the game with a lot of skill. I believe Andrew will excel at Washington & Jefferson College. Andrew is a captain of our team with great leadership skills. I wish Andrew the best in his future.”

How I got my start playing baseball: “My parents put me in T-ball at a young age..”

Favorite college growing up: Texas A&M

Other interests: Watching movies, hanging out with friends

What getting to play in college means to me: “Getting to play in college means a lot to me because I have a love for the game and I know I’m playing for an organization that I can grow as a player and a person in.”

Probable college major: Undecided

Parents: John and Christa Miko