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November 11th is the first day of the early signing period for students to sign a National Letter of Intent to participate in inter-collegiate athletics next year. Park High School was proud to show off their three student-athletes signing a letter of intent. Activities Director Phil Kuemmel started off the event with an introduction, “This is a great accomplishment for these three student athletes and I think really, really important even though this is much different than any other signing ceremony we’ve ever done, it’s still important to recognize them.”

Normally, the lecture hall would be filled with the teammates, friends and family of the signing athletes, this year, was severely limited. A few coaches, parents, press, and videographers were allowed in the room to document the event. It was also live streamed and uploaded to the schools YouTube channel. Each coach had the opportunity to talk about their student athletes, and the event finished with plenty of pictures.

The three athletes that signed were: Corinna Loshek has signed to play softball at Winona State University. Corinna is a five-time varsity letter winner in softball. She earned All-Conference and All-Section honors twice and was named All-State Honorable Mention her sophomore season. Loshek helped the softball team win two conference titles, three section championships, and a state runner-up finish in 2018. She was the school’s female ExCEL Award winner as a junior and was also a four-year letter winner in tennis. Her varsity coach ended up also being her father, Bob Loshek, a position that would be very tough but very rewarding. He spoke of how much of a team player Corinna is, always willing to do what is needed at the time to help the team win. Bob’s unique perspective as coach and father afforded him some extra floor time touting his daughters play and how much she has meant to the program, but the most important aspect he shared was how proud of her he was simply as dad.

Baseball player Tucker Novotny has committed to play at the University of Minnesota. Tucker earned All-Conference honors as a sophomore. He started every game and led the Wolfpack in most offensive categories, hitting .375 for the season. Novotny was also a dominating pitcher on the mound, striking out 56 batters while only walking 24 throughout the year. He is also a standout on the Park bowling team with a 215 average. Head Coach John McGowan has coached Novotny for four years. McGowan instantly bragged up Novotny’s pick off move and how humble he is.

Dylan Purrington has signed to swim at the University of South Dakota. Dylan is a six-year varsity letter winner for the Wolfpack and received All-Conference honors twice. He is a two-time state meet participant both as an individual and in relays, with his highest finish being twelfth in the state (in two events). Purrington holds numerous school records for the boys’ program and was named the Most Valuable Swimmer his junior year. Coach Amanda Johnson, the head coach, was unfortunately under quarantine so Assistant Coach Paula Dietzsch stepped in. Dietzsch ran through the list of his accolades, including several pool records along with state appearances. It was clear just how much the coaches and program will miss Purrington.

Congratulations to all three of these amazing young adults and may their successes continue both on and off the field.