Five Republic athletes committed to play college sports at a signing ceremony at the high school last week. We talked to all five of them about whey they’re going where they’re going, and what they’ll take with them from their time at Republic.
Marco Donjuan – Soccer – Webster University
Marco Donjuan was an all-state honorable mention selection by the Missouri High School Soccer Coaches Association. He will continue his career at Webster University in St. Louis.
Why Webster?
I wanted to go somewhere where there’s a lot of things to do, and Webster is just about 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Then the overall academics was a perfect fit for me.
What will you take from your time at Republic into college?
I would like to take that close family atmosphere. I knew everyone in town and I was really tight with my teammates.
Ethan Haynes – Cross Country/Track – Drury University
Ethan Haynes was a state cross country qualifier and is in the middle of a very successful senior track season. Cross country coach Christie Bishop credits him as a driving force behind the growing success of the cross country team over the past few seasons. He will run at Drury University.
Why Drury?
Drury offered a program that was excited to run (and) excited to practice every day. I had toured other schools and they just seemed like they had practice, but at Drury, we’re excited to build the team up and have a shot at nationals.
What will you take from your time at Republic into college?
I think I learned a lot about how much people can affect me and my accomplishments. I love everyone here and I love the coaching staff. Coming out of Republic’s running program, it’s projected me on a path that I wouldn’t have been on.
Miha Nambara – Cross Country/Track – Missouri State University
Miha Nambara won a state cross country medal as a junior, and she broke the school record with a time of 18:57.78 as a senior. She qualified for state in track last season, and was part of the school record-setting 4×800 relay team. She will attend Missouri State and run track and cross country.
Why Missouri State?
I visited several schools, but Missouri State was just one that stuck out to me. I really liked the coach and the team. I got to meet some of my teammates, and whenever we walked around campus, it was just one that I was most comfortable with.
What will you take from your time at Republic into college?
My work ethic and making sure I manage my time wisely.
Devon McMillin – Track – Southwest Baptist University
Devon McMillin was a state qualifier in the 800m run last year, and he has been a leader on this spring’s successful boys track team. He will join his brother, Drew, at Southwest Baptist University.
Why SBU?
The biggest reason I’m going to SBU is because I like the idea of going to a Christian campus. And the other biggest reason is my brother is going there, and we’re pretty much best friends (and) have grown up that way.
What will you take from your time at Republic into college?
What coaches have taught me is that you have to work hard if you want to succeed. I look back to last year at state – I started the season, my 800m (time) was like a 2:07. And that was the first time I ever got thrown in the event. Then as the season went on and on, my coaches just kept pushing me harder and harder and harder, and my time started to drop. Once I learned the race and started devoting a lot more time to it and working hard at it, that’s when I realized what it takes to actually be successful.
Karissa Metzger – Swimming – Lindenwood University
Karissa Metzger is the most decorated swimmer in Republic history, with two state medals. Her fourth-place state finish in the 100-yard breaststroke is the best ever for a Republic swimmer. She will continue her career in the pool with the nationally recognized program at Lindenwood University as it makes the move to NCAA Division I and the Ohio Valley Conference.
Why Lindenwood?
I think I just had more opportunities there. I want to go hit my max point, and I know I can do that at Lindenwood because all the coaches are amazing, they have a great lifting coach, so I know I’m going to do great things there.
What will you take from your time at Republic into college?
I think the hard work and dedication. I know college is a different level, but I’ve been very dedicated with swim for a couple of years, and I think the hard work I put into practice has definitely shown off at bigger meets, so I’m hoping that I’ll continue to do that at college.