COLLEGIATE GOLF … Montpelier senior Jaxon Richmond was among three Locos who recently signed a letter of intent to continue their athletic careers at the next level. Richmond will be headed to Indiana Tech to continue his golf career. Pictured with Richmond at his signing day are seated – Cory Richmond (father) Jaxon, Indiana Tech coach Mark Beneke. Standing – Montpelier head golf coach Brandon Shoup, Tara Richmond (mother), Maddie Richmond (sister), Easten Richmond (brother). (PHOTOS PROVIDED)
By: Nate Calvin
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
MONTPELIER – A trio of Montpelier seniors have signed a letter of intent to further their academic and athletic careers in college.
Jaxon Richmond committed to Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne to be part of the Warriors golf team. Richmond did consider Adrian College before choosing Indiana Tech.
“They have a great coach and a great atmosphere on campus”, said Richmond when explaining his reason for selecting Indiana Tech.
Among his accomplishments during his Montpelier career on the links include being selected as 1st Team BBC on three occasions, a four-year letter winner, and BBC Player of the Year in 2022.
Richmond is the Montpelier golf program’s all-time leader in eagles and birdies. He also has the lowest career scoring average in Montpelier history along with the second lowest score for nine holes (33) and 18 holes (73) in school history.
Richmond totaled six 1st place finishes over his senior year, leading Montpelier to a berth in the OHSAA District Tournament.
Richmond, who will be majoring in electrical engineering, also excels on the baseball field where he was the 2023 BBC Player of the Year for the Locos.
Richmond’s teammate Drake Sommer will also be playing golf at the collegiate level after signing with Bluffton University.
Bluffton was the top choice of Sommer, who plans to major in accounting, from the beginning. “It is a very small school, and everyone was nice and very welcoming Coach Craig (Bluffton men’s golf coach)”, said Sommer.
“I want to thank my friends and family for always being there for me. I would like to thank Coach Shoup for pushing me to be the best golfer I can be so I can be in this situation.”
“I would also like to thank my family for dragging me everywhere over the summer to help me get better”, he added.
The third Loco to sign on the dotted line was Kaitlyn Mills, who will be attending Ashland University (Division II) for cheerleading and majoring in Nursing with plans on becoming a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Pediatric Oncology.
“The school was very welcoming, and I know I’ll do well in the environment and the beliefs of the school”, said Mills.
Mills has been a varsity captain four times and has received the four-year varsity award along with being a National Honor Society member, achieving honor roll throughout high school and attending Buckeye Girls State in 2023.
“I want to thank my coaches for never letting me give up and thank you to my boyfriend, friends, and family for their endless support.”
BLUFFTON GOLF … Shown with Drake Sommer as he makes it official are seated Kevin Sommer (father), Drake, Monica Sommer (mother). Standing – Montpelier golf head coach Brandon Shoup, Allie Sommer (sister), Owen Sommer (brother).
ASHLAND UNIVERSITY CHEER … Shown with Kaitlyn Mills as she makes it official are seated Randy Mills (father), Kaitlyn, Stephanie Mills (mother). Standing – Kaylee Mills (sister), Rose Mills (sister).