Western Salutes Student-Athletes Moving on in Sports

 Michael McAninch of Western High School has signed to play football at the Air Force Academy. He celebrated with his parents on senior signing celebration day at WHS on Thursday.   Photo by Jeff Steers, JTV Sports.

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(May 13, 2021 3:12 PM) While most students entering college spent time filling out paperwork, maybe writing an essay, or sending in applications, Western High School student-athlete Michael McAninch went through a little more regimented procedure.

McAninch will be attending the Air Force Academy next year to play football and commit 12 years to the service.

He was one of nearly two dozen student-athletes who will be pursuing sports at the collegiate level next year.

 Western High School held a senior signing celebration on Thursday in the school’s main gymnasium.

McAninch said he performed an interview with an Air Force lieutenant, received a Congressional nomination from Congressman Tim Walberg, and had to pass a physical and medical exam.

“The interview with Congressman Walberg had a lot of questions about leadership skills and moral values,” McAninch said. 

McAninch – who maintains a 3.8 grade point average on a 4.0 scale – expects to play offensive guard on the Air Force football squad.

Football and other sports have taught the senior to be mental toughness throughout the years.

“Sports teams you to go out and work hard even though you don’t always want to,” McAninch said. “It’s all about the mental toughness.”

WHS Athletic Director Ryan Hackworth said a handful of students are deciding on which college to attend. He expects for nearly two dozen WHS seniors to be playing sports at the collegiate level next fall.

Here is a list of those who were expected to participate in the senior event, their college choice and sport. 

Albion College – Madi Barnes, soccer; Boden Brown, wrestling; Kyndall Lewis, soccer.

Air Force Academy – Michael McAninch, football.

Arizona Christian – Joey Ellis, football.

Grand Valley State University – Kendall Robertson, soccer.

Grace Christian University – Alyssa Gennety, basketball.

Indiana State University – Lily Kucharek, track and field.

Indiana Wesleyan University – Caleb Tripp, tennis.

Jackson College – Logan Coleman, cross country; Ashley Williams, softball.

Lake Superior State – Michael Rand, track and field.

Madonna University – Julius Adams, football.

Pfeiffer University – Sidney Siders, soccer.

Spring Arbor University – Logan Baum, golf; Trey Cottingham, basketball;
Rosine Oloni, track and field; Belle Sexton, tennis; Olivia Vowels, competitive cheer.