Baseball Friday, March 31, 2023 NWC Athletic Communications

Raiders Sign 23 Recruits in March

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – The Northwestern College athletic communications office announces the signings of 23 Red Raider recruits during the month of March.

Baseball
Micah Larsen (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) has signed a letter of intent to join the Northwestern baseball team.

A pitcher at Watertown Lutheran Prep, Larsen posted a 3.96 ERA with four hits, four earned runs, and seven strikeouts in seven appearances last spring. He was a First Team All-Conference honoree in 2019, an honorable mention in 2018, and a three-time selection to the Dean's List.

"Northwestern felt like one big family to me, and that was something I wanted to be a part of," Larsen said. "The coaching staff and players were very welcoming, which made the decision very easy for me."

He is the son of Edie and Todd Larsen, and brother to Daniel, Emma, Ryan, Sara, Emily, Kyle, and Sierra. Larsen plans to study Criminal Justice at Northwestern.

Korey McKenney (Larchwood, Iowa) has announced his intention to attend Northwestern College and join the baseball program.

McKenney was a multi-sport athlete at West Lyon High School, where he was a First Team All-District and All-Conference performer in baseball his junior year, also earning honors in football and golf. He was also an Academic All-District member and an "A" honor roll student. On the mound, McKenney compiled an ERA of 1.72 with 44 strikeouts and an opponent batting average of .171 in his most recent season.

"I chose Northwestern because a rich history of successful people that I strive to be like have gone through the college, while also being able to continue to play baseball and pursue a good education at a great school," McKenney commented.

He is the son of Matt and Kelsey McKenney, and brother to Trevor, Dylan, and Karley. McKenney plans to study Exercise Science or Sport Management at Northwestern.

Josh Thurm (Humboldt, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to join the Northwestern baseball team.

An All-Conference and All-District selection at Humboldt High School, Thurm hit .371 with two home runs in his most recent season. He has also been named Student of the Month and an Academic All-State football honoree.

"My two older brothers had great experiences at Northwestern," Thurm commented. "I wanted to pick a Christian school where I could also play baseball. Northwestern seems like a great fit for me."

He is the son of Jason and Tracy Thurm and brother to Isaac, Jacob, and Joel.

Cheerleading
Carly Huth (Kingsley, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to join the cheerleading team at Northwestern.

Huth is a four-year letter winner at Kingsley-Pierson High School and member of the National Honor Society.

"I chose Northwestern so I could continue my journey with Christ in a community committed to Christianity," Huth commented. "I also believe it will give me a small town feel where I can make lifelong friendships with new people and professors!"

She is the daughter of Roxanne Huth, and sister to Paige and Reid. Huth plans to study Biology Health Professions at Northwestern.

McKenna Rawson (Walker, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to continue her cheerleading career at Northwestern College.

A second-place state medalist in cheer and dance and third-place state medalist in stunt group, Rawson attended Center Point-Urbana High School. She was an Honor Squad member in 2022 and is an honor roll student.

"I chose Northwestern because of the Christian community it provides," said Rawson. "From the moment I stepped on campus, I could feel the Holy Spirit thriving on campus. In that moment, I knew the Lord was calling me here to fulfill what he has called me to and that is ministering to the youth and educating those about him."

She is the daughter of Amy and Brad Rechkemmer, and sister to Mya, Grant, and Addison. Rawson plans to study Christian Education and Youth Ministry at Northwestern.

Dance
Courtney Haahr (Inwood, Iowa) has announced her intention to attend Northwestern and join the Red Raider dance team.

Haahr attended West Lyon High School where she was an honor roll student.

"I chose Northwestern because I love the Christian-based learning with small class sizes," noted Haahr.

She is the daughter of Kyle and Christina Haahr, and sister to Ashlyn, Jessa, and Gauge. Haahr plans to study Psychology at Northwestern.

Men's Basketball
Carter Boettcher (Rembrandt, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to continue his basketball career at Northwestern College.

He had a successful high school campaign at Sioux Central High School, where he scored 1,425 career points for second in program history, set the record for career assists with 418, is the program leader in career threes, and tied the record for most threes in one game. In his most recent season, he scored 19.5 points per game while earning First Team All-Conference and Third Team All-State accolades. Boettcher is also an Academic All-Conference selection and the winner of the Academic Achievement Award.

"I chose Northwestern because of the great opportunity it is providing me to continue my basketball career and start my education, all while growing in Christ's path," noted Boettcher. "The coaching staff has helped me feel at home, and I believe they will support and guide me to develop as a college athlete." carter boettcher

"Carter is a strong guard with a high basketball IQ," commented head coach Kris Korver. "He is a hard worker and loves to compete. We are excited to have him join the Raider family!"

He is the son of Todd and Erica Boettcher, and brother to Danielle and Karly. Boettcher plans to study Agricultural Business at Northwestern.

Isaiah Currie (Gretna, Neb.) has signed a letter of intent to join the Red Raider men's basketball team.

Currie averaged 1.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game at Gretna High School and was an honor roll student.

"I love the culture Coach Korver and his staff have created at Northwestern," Currie remarked. "I'm really excited to be a Raider!"

"Isaiah is a young man with Christian character, is an excellent student, and he can shoot the basketball," said Korver. "We look forward to seeing Isaiah work hard and continue to improve on and off the floor. He will be a blessing to our campus and we look forward to seeing him improve as he gets stronger. We are excited Isaiah is joining us!"

He is the son of Jason and Christy Currie, and brother to Summer and Zane. Currie plans to study Business at Northwestern.

Marcus Kelderman (Boyden, Iowa) has announced his intention to transfer to Northwestern and join the men's basketball program.

A redshirt freshman guard at Truman State University (Mo.), Kelderman prepped at Boyden-Hull High School where he was a First Team All-Conference performer and a state champion in 2020.

"Marcus is a versatile guard who can play multiple positions and score in various ways," Korver commented. "He is quick and athletic and we see him making plays on both ends of the floor. He is hungry to work hard, to play and get out on the floor. We are excited to have Marcus joining us and look forward to watching him compete in a Raider uniform!"

He is the son of Shaun and Beth, and brother to Rylee and Ashtyn. Kelderman plans to study Business at Northwestern.

Luke Korver (Orange City, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to join the Northwestern College men's basketball program.

A senior at MOC-Floyd Valley High School, Korver averaged 15.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists last season, also making 82 threes on the year. He is a three-time All-Conference honoree, earning First Team honors in 2023. Korver's 212 career threes sits third in program history for the Dutchmen. He is also an Academic All-Conference and All-State selection.
luke korver

"Northwestern gives me the opportunity to continue my athletic career and grow in my faith," Korver commented. "I have always felt at home at Northwestern and I believe this is where I am called to be."

"Luke has been around Northwestern basketball his entire life and he is excited to be joining us," Coach Korver said. "He had an excellent senior year and we think he is going to continue to improve. Luke is a very good shooter and passer, and he understands how to play. As Luke works hard to get stronger, we believe he will find ways to help us. He is a quality young man who tries to bring out the best in others. We believe Luke will be an asset to our basketball program and see him being a blessing to the Northwestern community."

He is the son of Ann and Kris Korver, and brother to Christian and Elizabeth. Korver plans to study History Education at Northwestern.

Camron Pickard (Kalona, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to join the Red Raider men's basketball program.

Pickard is a two-time RVC academic All-Conference honoree and was selected as an All-Conference and All-Substate performer for Mid-Prairie High School. In his most recent season, he averaged 15.8 points, 3.6 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals.

"Northwestern has a great environment and a great basketball program that focuses on more than school and sports," Pickard commented. "Faith is one of, if not the most important, focus in the program."

"Camron is a quality young man and a hard worker," Korver said. "He is an excellent teammate and he will be a positive influence on our campus. We look forward to seeing him improve as a player and having him in our program."

He is the son of Jeremy and Renea Pickard, and brother to Abby, Dominick, Jonathon, and Samantha.

Tate VanOtterloo (Beresford, S.D.) has announced his intention to join the Red Raider basketball team next fall.

A First Team All-Conference performer at Beresford High School, VanOtterloo averaged 19.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 3.1 steals over the last season. He is a career 1,000-point scorer.

"I chose Northwestern because of how comfortable I felt when I first visited," VanOtterloo said. "I am also very grateful for the opportunity to play basketball for four more years."

"Tate is a good shooter and a good athlete," Korver commented. "He has been a leader in his program the last four years and we are excited he is joining us."

He is the son of Mark VanOtterloo and Angela Carson, and brother to Max, CJ, and Ben.

Men's Soccer
Bongkefon Kumla (Falkensee, Germany) has signed a letter of intent to join the men's soccer team at Northwestern.

A graduate of Sophie-Charlotte-Gymnasium, Kumla has played striker and wing, scoring 11 goals in his most recent season of competition. Additionally, Kumla is a member of the SV Falkensee-Finkenkrug club team.

"I chose Northwestern because I believe it has everything to help me improve as a player as well as a student," said Kumla.

He is the son of Judith Kumla Suilabayu and brother to Asheri and Keelen. Kumla plans to study Computer Science at Northwestern.

Tom Mossop (London, United Kingdom) has signed a letter of intent to join Northwestern's men's soccer program.

A midfielder with Apex Stars FC, Mossop scored six goals and dished out five assists last season. His team finished as runners-up a year ago and are currently in the cup quarterfinals. He was selected as the Players' Player of the Season in 2021-22.

"I chose Northwestern because the soccer program is really exciting for me, and the Christian values of the college are also an attractive prospect," Mossop commented.

He is the son of Andy and Sarah, and brother to Sam and Rebecca. Mossop plans to study Psychology at Northwestern.

Men's Track and Field
Isaac Ferguson (Bothell, Wash.) has signed a letter of intent to continue his track and field and football careers at Northwestern College.

On the track, Ferguson was a conference champion in the 4x400m relay, a fifth-place state finisher, and an NFF Scholar Athlete nominee.

"With God's guidance, my family and I chose Northwestern due to its intentionally Christian worldview, standout athletics, and amazing academics and art program," Ferguson said.

He is the son of Ezra and Elisha, and brother to Anika. Ferguson plans to study Art at Northwestern.

Jacob Folkerts (Sioux Center, Iowa) has announced his intention to attend Northwestern College and join the men's track and field team.

A thrower from Unity Christian High School, Folkerts has personal bests of 42' in shot put and 101' in discus. He has been selected as an All-District Honorable Mention and an Academic All-District student.

"I really love the atmosphere that Northwestern brings, and I also love the God-focused learning that is given," Folkerts noted.

He is the son of Josh and Tina Folkerts, and brother to Jenna, Kara, and Gavin. Folkerts plans to study Nursing at Northwestern.

Justin Gleason (Owatonna, Minn.) has signed a letter of intent to join the men's track and field team.

An accomplished athlete at Owatonna High School, Gleason participated in springs and jumps. He posted marks of 23' 1.75" in the long jump, 44' 10.25" in the triple jump, 11.54 in the 100m, and 22.86 in the 200m. He was an All-Conference and All-State performer, a long jump state champion, and an Academic All-State student and scholar athlete.

"I chose Northwestern because they have great track and field coaches that will help me succeed, and they will challenge me and help me grow in my education and in my faith," Gleason commented.

He is the son of Joey and Debby Gleason, and brother to Jenna, Jackson, and Jordan. Gleason plans to study Business at Northwestern.

Cale Sudbeck (Hinton, Iowa) has signed a letter of intent to join the men's track and field program at Northwestern.

An honor roll student at Hinton High School, Sudbeck was involved in track, football, and wrestling in high school.

"I chose Northwestern because I liked the campus and the facilities," said Sudbeck. "The coaches really sold me on how I can make myself better at Northwestern."

He is the son of Todd and Emily, and brother to Carson, Lilly, and Elsa. Sudbeck plans to study Biology and pre-Chiropractic at Northwestern.

Women's Golf
Anna Brant (Hastings, Neb.) has announced her intention to attend Northwestern College and join the women's golf team.

Brant is a team captain and four-year varsity letter winner at Hastings Senior High School. She was the district runner-up last season. Academically, she is a four-time academic letter winner, an NCPA Academic All-State selection, and a member of the National Honor Society.

"I chose Northwestern because it was the only place that I felt like I could call home," Brant said. "The people on my visits were great and very welcoming. Northwestern also had some of the best golf facilities I have ever seen at a college. I am very excited to attend in fall of 2023!"

She is the daughter of Jeb and Charla Brant, and sister to Calan and Isaiah. Brant plans to study Marketing at Northwestern.

Claire Lamfers (Sioux Falls, S.D.) has signed a letter of intent to join the Red Raider women's golf program.

An individual state qualifier and team state champion at Sioux Falls Christian High School, Lamfers has an average score of 89 and a career best of 84. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

"I chose Northwestern because I loved the community of the campus and the people," Lamfers commented. "I also loved the Christ-centered and the facilities that Northwestern provides. The golf team in particular is very kind and welcoming!"

She is the daughter of Kerry Lamfers, and sister to Ashley and Emma. Lamfers plans to study Nursing at Northwestern.

Amelia Schneidermann (Rock Rapids, Iowa) has announced her intention to attend Northwestern College and join the women's golf team.

She is a two-time All-Conference performer and a four-year honor roll student from Central Lyon High School, posting a career 18-hole average of 97.

"I chose Northwestern because they create such a great community on campus," Schneidermann noted. "They made me feel at home since my first visit."

She is the daughter of Scott and Natalie Schneidermann, and sister to Isabelle. Schneidermann plans to study Elementary Education at Northwestern.

Women's Soccer
Cali Wright (Scottsbluff, Neb.) has signed a letter of intent to join the women's soccer team at Northwestern.

A team captain in multiple sports at Scottsbluff High School, Wright was a GNAC All-Conference performer. She has two years of collegiate soccer to her name as well, appearing in 29 games as a defender at Western Nebraska Community College.

"I chose Northwestern because it was very welcoming and had a great atmosphere," Wright said.

She is the daughter of Bert and Laura Wright, and sister to Jonah, Izzy, and Addie. Wright plans to study Physical Therapy at Northwestern.

Women's Tennis
Emily Westenberg (Sioux Falls, S.D.) has announced her intention to attend Northwestern College and join the women's tennis team.

Westenberg has had a superb career at Sioux Falls Christian High School, most recently going 19-0 as a state champion in Flight 6 and compiling a two-year record of 30-10. She was an All-Tournament team selection and is an honor roll student and member of the National Honor Society. emily westenberg

"I chose Northwestern because I have been a Red Raider fan since I was a little girl," Westenberg commented. "I always remember attending Raider sporting events with my family as a kid. Northwestern was my top choice because here I have the opportunity to be involved in a strong Christian community and pursue God's purpose for my life through the nursing program. I am also excited for the opportunity to be involved in the tennis program and the ability to be a part of the team while using my gifts for God's glory."

"We are so excited to add Emily to our growing team next fall," said head coach Jamie De Jong. "Emily will surely add a piece of joy and competitive spirit to our roster."

She is the daughter of former Red Raider tennis players Matt and Karen Westenberg, and sister to Kaitlyn and Anna. Westenberg plans to study Nursing at Northwestern.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

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