Schools
Two Orono High School Seniors Sign Letters of Intent
In the last month, two seniors—Samantha Hartmann and Erin Briggs—signed letters of intent to participate in sports at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Virginia University, respectively.
Erin Briggs, daughter of Brigham and Cynthia Briggs, is a senior at Orono, who transferred to OHS in 2010 from Wayzata High School. Briggs signed on with the University of Virginia Nov. 15 to be on the women’s rowing team.
Briggs, who started rowing about a year ago, is ecstatic about going to a Division I school to row. Briggs, who took 16th of 39 teams at the Head of the Charles regatta this fall with partner Maya Gardiner, is one of the strongest one her team.
“[Erin] showed great potential early on with her incredible work ethic,” said Todd Wilson, head coach at Long Lake Rowing Club.
It is a great honor to receive a Division I rowing scholarship, especially to the University of Virginia.
“Virginia has the top women’s rowing program in the country,” said Wilson.
Not only are they respected around the country, but they won first place in the last two years at the NCAA division one finals.
“I am so happy for her and I know that she will do great.”
Briggs isn’t the only one to sign her letter of intent this last month.
Samantha Hartmann, daughter of Glenn and Jody Hartmann, is the pitcher for the Orono High School girls’ softball team. Hartmann has recently signed with the University of Minnesota-Duluth on Nov. 30 for softball.
Hartmann’s dad, Glenn, has encouraged her to play since she was five years old, starting off with t-ball and eventually moving on to play softball at the age of 10.
As a junior, Hartmann’s high school softball team place 3rd in the state tournament. She has an extremely close bond with her team, and is excited to be able to go to college having that same team aspect and build friendships from her new team.
Although Hartmann had never thought about going to UMD, when they called her about softball she found out how much she really liked it.
“It has the majors I want and it’s a good distance away,” said Hartmann, “I love the city; I love the campus. Everything just fit.”
Hartmann’s family and coach are extremely proud of her accomplishments and are happy that she has this opportunity.
“Sam’s got great talent,” said Orono softball coach Mike Carter, “she’s going to get a great education and a great softball experience at Duluth.”
Hartmann isn’t quite sure on her academic plans for Duluth yet, but she is looking along the lines of majoring in design or a science such as physical therapy.
Jack Ellis is a student at Orono High School
