Bottom (Left to Right):

Tyler Van Bree (Soccer, Rockhurst University), Phillip Bone (Volleyball, Stevens Institute of Technology), Grant Brawley (Cross Country/Track, Marquette University), Sean Kellogg (Cross Country/Track, Marquette University), Jonas Hostetler (Swimming, Rhodes College).

Top (Left to Right):

DonTavion Sullivan (Football, Lincoln University), Gus Tettamble (Tennis, University of Tulsa), Kylend Watson-Brown (Football, Lincoln University), Justin Glass (Cross Country/Track, Rocky Mountain College), Sebastian Lawrence (Diving, University of Wisconsin)

Not Pictured: Jaden McClain (Basketball, Millikin University)

Wisconsin offers perfect academic and athletic rigor for Lawrence

^{Alex Wentz, reporter}

After two consecutive years as the champion of Missouri diving, raising the bar with his records for generations to come, senior Sebastian Lawrence will be taking his dominant diving talents to the University of Wisconsin—Madison. Lawrence was drawn to the institution’s  business school, as well as their outstanding athletics.

“I chose Wisconsin because I want to go into business, and they had a really good business school, said Lawrence. “Athletically it was (also) the top school I could go to.”

The D1 diving practice regimen poses to be far more extensive than SLUH’s program.

“It’s a lot more,” said Lawrence. “There’s two practices a day, and in the offseason practices start at 6:00am. It’s about four hours of practice.”

With a new school comes new dives, as Lawrence will be pushed to expand his repertoire in college.

“In college diving I’ll also be doing three meter and platform,” said Lawrence. “High school is just one meter, so that’ll be a big difference. I’ll have to account for a ton of different heights.”

Despite the prospective challenges, Lawrence is excited for the newfound stature and opportunity at Wisconsin. A larger school means a larger audience to witness Lawrence do what he does best, win.

“I wanted to go to a Big Ten school,” said Lawrence. “I think it’ll be a lot of fun (there).”

Sullivan excited for coaches and culture at Lincoln University

^{Coby Spratte, Core Staff}

Senior DonTavion Sullivan will be taking his talents on the gridiron to Lincoln University, located in Jefferson City where he will also study business.

Committing to playing at the next level has been a goal for Sullivan throughout his childhood. 

“It’s just always been a dream of mine since I was young,” Sullivan remarked. “I’m excited that I was able to make it happen.”

Sullivan felt an immediate connection with the coaches and the school, so it felt like a pretty easy decision to make.

“I immediately liked the vibe I got from the coaches that I talked to on the phone,” Sullivan reflected. “Once I visited the school it was all the same. I like the dynamic they’re building and I think Lincoln is a great place for me.”

Sullivan anchored the Jr. Bill defense this past fall, totaling 116 tackles (19 for loss), 5 sacks, and two interceptions. He is very appreciative of his time at SLUH. 

“Playing football at SLUH has taught me that nothing comes easy,  so if I keep that in mind and maintain a good work ethic, I’ll be successful,” Sullivan said. 

He will join an NCAA Division II program who finished 1-9 last year, adding to their recent struggle since they transitioned from Division III. 

“They’ve definitely had struggles in recent years, but I feel that I can get on the field immediately and have a positive impact on the defense,” Sullivan said. 

Owens ready to lead up-and-coming Millikin football team

^{Nathan Rich, Sports Editor}

Following an impressive senior season rushing the quarterback last fall, senior defensive lineman Cayden Owens will be continuing his football career in Decatur, Ill. next year at Millikin University. The decision to commit fulfills a long time dream for Owens, a multi-sport athlete with many opportunities.

“It's been my dream my whole life to play a sport in college and football has always been my favorite,” he reflected. “Even though I had a couple of opportunities for wrestling, I decided to go football.”

Millikin’s D3 program will be happy to welcome Owens, who was selected to the All-MCC first team last year. Owens was impressed by the facilities and coaches at Millikin. Plus, the playing time he could get at Millikin was a big factor.

“Based off of every opportunity I had, it seems like the best place for me to grow as a person and use it as a stepping stone to move onto bigger and better things,” Owens said. 

That growth is important to Owens, who joins a program that has struggled of late; Millikin is coming off a difficult 3-7 season. But Owens says his future school is on the way up, and he’s ready to put in the work to make that happen.

“We have a lot of new guys coming in, so that should be good,” Owens noted. “I’m hoping to be a good teammate and be a strong leader like I have been even though I’ll be a freshman. I want to come in and stir some things up.”

Off the field, Owens plans to study Psychology.