Five MP athletes sign letters of intent

MARYSVILLE — There were no commitment issues for five Marysville Pilchuck seniors who signed national letters of intent Wednesday morning.

Well, except for nerves.

“I was really nervous. I messed my signature up a little bit when I was up there,” said senior football player Bryce Vitcovich, who signed with Colorado State-Pueblo. “But it felt pretty awesome.”

Vitcovich and teammate Austin Joyner, who signed with the University of Washington, were two of the five Tomahawks signing and faxing in letters of intent on National Signing Day. Abi Otto (softball) committed to Northwest Nazarene, and MP soccer players Abbi Koehn and Cassie LaBrake both signed with Everett-based Trinity Lutheran.

Unlike Joyner, who verbally committed to the Huskies in early January, Vitcovich’s recruitment went down to the wire. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Vitcovich just recently settled on Colorado State-Pueblo, the defending NCAA Division-II champion, choosing the ThunderWolves over Carroll College.

“The work ethic was the No.1 reason,” Vitcovich said. “I got a chance to see them in the weight room and see how hard they worked. That really drew me to them. And they’re D-II national champs. That’s a big plus.”

Vitcovich was a first-team Herald All-Area selection on both the offensive and defensive line, helping block for Joyner on a Marysville Pilchuck team that reached the Class 3A state semifinals.

“It’s really neat,” said Marysville Pilchuck head coach Brandon Carson, who attended the signing ceremony. “It’s very rewarding anytime you have kids that go on to play in college.”

Joyner, meanwhile, was happy to see his recruitment process finally come to an end. The star running/defensive back committed to Washington originally after his junior year. He pulled out of that commitment when former UW head coach Steve Sarkisian departed for USC, and instead committed to Washington State. After WSU fired defensive coordinator Mike Breske, Joyner’s main recruiter, the senior reopened his recruitment before finally settling on the Huskies.

“The whole recruiting train is crazy, up and down, you never know where it’s going to go,” Joyner said. “But it’s over now. I’ve seen the whole thing, all the way through, and here I am going to U-Dub.”

Joyner said Washington defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake was a big draw because of his experience developing defensive players. Another big plus for Joyner was Washington’s strong recruiting class, which is ranked No. 23 in the nation by the recruiting service Scout.com.

Joyner is the No. 1 recruit in the state of Washington and No. 255 in the nation according to ESPN.com. Joyner, who ran for 1,768 yards and 32 touchdowns his senior year, was a two-time Herald Offensive Player of the Year as well as the Gatorade Player of the Year for Washington this season.

“This class is really strong,” Joyner said of the UW’s recruits. “I like everybody who’s coming in with the class. I feel like that’s a good thing, that’s something you need to have. You’re going to be with them for four years so having people in the class that you like really makes a difference.”

Joyner is looking forward to the next level of his football career, and is eager to make an immediate impact at Washington.

“It’s the beginning of a new road,” Joyner said. “I remember when I first came to high school, there were no offers or anything like that. I was shooting to get offers and here I am going D-1. … It’s not like I come in and I have a spot. I have to earn it still. But I think I have a really good shot at playing.”

Otto, a first-team All Wesco 3A North selection at third base, will attend Northwest Nazarene, alone with Lake Stevens standout Cassidy Fifield.

LaBrake, a midfielder, and Koehn, a defender, will remain on the same team at Everett-based Trinity Lutheran where the pair will play soccer.

“Next year’s going to be a little scary but I’m super excited for it,” LaBrake said. “I know we’re going to have a lot of fun being together for another four years. It’s definitely something we wanted.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.