On Wednesday, November 10, 2021, family, friends, coaches, teammates gathered in the LMC to support their fellow teammates on their accomplishments. The event had been the first in two years since Covid-19 did not allow for large group meetings. The event recognized the four athletes moving on to compete and participate in collegiate-level sports. Reese Burg, Jake Petasek, Kyler Simonet, and Brigitta Neverman, were all celebrated at the Athletic Signing.

The event began with the introduction of Reese Burg. Reese will be attending Saint Mary’s of Minnesota, located in Winona Minnesota, where he will play baseball. Reese will play for the Cardinals, which are coached by Nick Winecke. The crowd was then introduced to Clint, a Preble alumni, and head coach of the baseball team. Clint has known Reese since the age of eight. The coach described Reese as the “red fire type jokester,” meaning Reese is a leader on the field, displays talent on the field, and as a friend to his teammates. His coach also recognized that Reese was an Honorable Mention All-Conference as a Junior. Reese is a three-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, and baseball.

Jake Petasek was then introduced to the crowd. He is a senior standout athlete that has participated in baseball, basketball, and football while attending Preble High School. He plans to attend Madison Area Technical College in Madison Wisconsin and play baseball. Jake will play for the Wolfpack, where he will be coached by Mike Davenport. Jake, like Reese, earned an Honorable Mention All Conference as a freshman and 2nd Team All Conference honors as a junior for the baseball team. When his coach, who is also his dad, spoke and celebrated Jake’s accomplishments, he mentioned how, “he lives in the batting cage.” It was clear that Jake is a determined athlete. “He’s always been business on the field,” was the way that Clint described Jake as a serious athlete.

Kyler Simonet was the third out of the four athletes that were recognized. He has participated in the sport of swimming and plans to attend the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire. He has served as the captain of the swim team for the last two years. He is a 2nd Team All conference athlete that qualified for the WIAA State Swim meet. He was described as quiet but involved, which applies to him since he is involved in many school activities including Bowling, Drumline, Musical Pit Orchestra, and Band. While involved in all these activities he carries a 3.5 GPA. “He’s sneaky good,” were the words his coach used to describe him. Kyler will participate on the Blugold Swim Team, coached by Annie Ryder whom was named WIAC Women’s Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2019 and Men’s Coach of the Year in 2018.

Brigita Neverman was the final athlete to be recognized in the event. She is a senior standout athlete that has participated in the sport of swimming. Brigitta excelled in the sport for the Green Bay girls swim team and is a 2-time state champion winning the 200 IM and 100Fly in the WIAA State Swim meet. For her efforts, she was named the Conference Swimmer of the Year and the 2021 Northeast Wisconsin High School sports awards Girls Swimmer of the Year. Alongside her accomplishments, she is also a member of the National Honor Society and carries a 4.0 GPA. Brigitta Neverman started swimming at the YMCA from the age of five. Her coach recalled when Brigitta told her, “I don’t want the girls workout, I want the guys workout.” Her coach then proceeded to say that Brigitta wanted “the real deal”. Brigitta will attend the University of Minnesota on a martial scholarship and participate in swimming for the Gophers. She will be coached by Kelly Kremer.

The event ended with a final congratulations to the athletes and a thank you to those who came and supported the athletes. Preble congratulates these standout athletes for their accomplishments and hopes they strive and stand out in their teams just like they have for the Preble community. “Once a hornet, always a hornet”.