Thirteen students commit on LCHS
Signing Day
[May 01, 2026]
LCHS held their annual Signing Day ceremony for the Class of
2026 on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Twelve student-athletes signed on the dotted line to further their
athletic and academic careers and one student committed to the armed
forces.
Cameron Kurtz did a fantastic job as the emcee of the event that was
held inside the LCHS auditorium.
“This afternoon we have an extraordinary group of young people, all
of them who share something special. That something special is a
desire to excel, a motivation to succeed and a hope to leave your
impression on this world,” said Kurtz, as he began his opening
statement. “Your teachers see that in you. Your families and your
friends, they see it. Your coaches see it. And our armed forces see
that in you. But more importantly, and perhaps most important of
all, you see that in yourselves. And that’s truly the reason why we
are here this afternoon.”
“Now that something is going to look different to everyone,” he
continued. “The paths taken to achieve them are going to look
different. The highs and the lows, the struggles and the triumphs
and the victories and the defeats are all going to look different.
But then again, that’s truly why we are here today. Because you all
are different. You all share in that common denominator to be a part
of something bigger, to be a part of something better than
yourselves and to be better tomorrow than you were today. And
because of all of that, we are better for it.”
Track and Field and Softball athletes were recognized first on
Wednesday because they had events and games to attend. This explains
why these student-athletes are not in the group photo that was taken
at the end of the presentation.
Zain Hubrich
Parents: Jason and Jessica Hubrich
Sport: Track and Field
College: Carthage College
Major: Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
The people there and the coaching staff are great. Being on Lake
Michigan is quite nice.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Hubrich also played soccer for four years.
Kyli Lund
Parents: Lyndi Lund
Sport: Track and Field
College: Millikin University
Major: Psychology
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
When I visited the campus, I immediately felt welcomed and could
clearly see myself growing there, both academically and personally.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
3x IHSA State Qualifier, 2x All-State, 4 year LCHS Letter Winner, 2x
CS8 All-Conference and 2026 Team Co-Captain.
Lund also participated in cheerleading.
Lexie Meredith
Parents: Rickey Meredith
Sport: Track and Field
College: Carthage College
Major: Nursing
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
The Nursing program is great and the small class ratio is perfect
for me. I love how connected students and teachers get, so you never
feel like you can’t reach out.
Years played at LCHS: 2
Meredith also participated in Football Cheer, Basketball Cheer and
Competitive Cheer Team.
Kelsey Marten
Parents: Rachel and Tim Marten
Sport: Softball
College: Millikin University
Major: Elementary Education
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
Millikin is the right choice for me because it offers a strong
education program that will aid me in my preparation to be an
elementary school teacher. Playing softball will help me continue to
be determined and dedicated to my academics and athletics.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
Four-year Varsity team, 3x CS8 Academic All-Conference Team, 2024
Defensive MVP
Morgan Sheley
Parents: Kati and Ryan Sheley
Sport: Softball and Cross Country
College: Monmouth College
Major: Biology
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
I like the small, close community where I can get to know people and
grow. I also like that it focuses on academics but still lets me
continue my athletic career.
Years played at LCHS: Softball 4 and Cross Country 2
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
2x CS8 Academic All-Conference
Mia Clark
Parents: Sarah Clark and the late Clint Clark
Sport: Basketball
College: Parkland Community College
Major: Criminal Justice
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
They have an amazing Criminal Justice Program and great financial
support that benefits me. They have an incredible basketball team
that will feel like a family.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
2x Offensive Player of the Year, 2x IBCA All-State Team, CS8 1st
Team All-Conference, CS8 2nd Team All-Conference, Pana Thanksgiving
All-Tournament Team, 1,000 Point Club and Most 3-Pointers in a
Season record (84).
Clark also participated in Volleyball.
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Carson Fuiten
Parents: Michelle and Howie Fuiten
Sport: Baseball
College: Carl Sandburg College
Major: Business
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
It has a sense of home and I know students who go there now and
other students who will be attending next year with me.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
Most Wins in a career.
Fuiten also participated in Golf and Basketball.
Karson Komnick
Parents: Josh and Vanessa Komnick
Sport: Baseball
College: Morton Community College
Major: Sports Management
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
It felt like the right place for me and was the perfect distance
from home.
Years Played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing a sport at LCHS:
Basketball: 1st and 2nd Team CS8 All-Conference, 3rd Team All-State,
Collinsville All-Tournament Team, Eaton All-Tournament Team, 1,000
Point Club, State Journal-Register Player of the Year.
Austin Lucas
Parents: Jason and Kim Lucas
Sport: Baseball
College: John Wood Community College
Major: Biology
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
I know the Baseball program well because my brother currently
attends and plays there. The campus is nice and they offer my major.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
CS8 Academic All-Conference Team
T.J. Morris
Parents: Tara and Dwane Morris
Sport: Soccer
College: Knox College
Major: Kinesiology
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
Knox offers the perfect mix of academics, athletics and personal
growth with the same small town vibe as Lincoln.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
Team MVP, Varsity Defense Award, JV Defense Award, CS8
All-Conference and All-Sectional IHSSCA.
Morris was also on the Bass Fishing Team and Track and Field Team.
Zach Poole
Parents: Troy and Jennifer Poole
Sport: Football
College: Illinois State University
Major: Exercise Science
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
They have a very winning culture, with great coaches and players.
Everyone made me feel welcomed from the start of my recruiting
process.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
CS8 All-Conference Team, LCHS W.C. Handlin Senior Lineman Award and
State Journal Register All-Area Team.
Poole also participated in Baseball and Wrestling.
Caleb Zirkelbach
Parents: Marie Benning, Joshua and Lindsay Zirkelbach
Sport: Wrestling
College: Blackburn College
Major: Pre-Law
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
I really like the small size and the opportunities I will have
there.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS:
2x CS8 All-Conference, 4x CS8 Academic All-Conference, Team MVP and
IHSA State Qualifier.
Zirkelbach also played Football.
Gavin Eales
Parents: George and Karren Eales
Branch of the Military: United States Army
Intended Specialty: Combat Medic
Why do you feel the United States Army is the right choice for you?
I want to explore the medical field and follow in many of my family
members’ footsteps.
Eales also participated in Football and Wrestling.
Congratulations to all and best wishes in this next chapter of your
lives!
[Teena Lowery]
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