By Robert Whitmire

Two SPASH athletes signed their NCAA letters of intent to attend and participate at the college level in the fall.

Victor Kizewski, SPASH football standout will take his talents to NCAA Division I-A North Dakota State where he will play safety and defensive back for the Bison. North Dakota State is a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference and have won the last five National Championships.

“There were a few things that prompted me to choose NDSU,” said Kizewski. “All of their coaches were very nice and welcoming. I had a meeting with my defensive back coach, Joe Klanderman, and I felt like I had a very strong connection with him. Another reason I chose NDSU was that they have a very strong tradition of winning, including the last five national championships, and I feel like they will be on top for quite some time.”

Kizewski takes a long and impressive list of accomplishments to NDSU including 2015 Valley Football Association Southern Division Back of the year and Offensive Player of the year; first team All-Conference Running Back; 2014 and 2015 first team All-Conference Return Specialist and second team All-Conference Wide Receiver; and 2015 Honorable Mention All-State All-Purpose Player.

Kizewski was also a track standout for the Panthers holding school records in the 400 Meter, 4×200 and 4×400 meter relays.

“Throughout my three years with SPASH football I made great friends, great relationships with all of my coaches and developed my overall talent as a football player. I wouldn’t trade it away for anything. I see myself fitting into the NDSU family very well. I had a great bond with all of the players. I have already made some nice relationships with some of the safeties and I’m very excited to compete with them next year,” Kizewski said.

“Victor is the most explosive offensive weapon I have had the privilege of coaching at SPASH,” said Panthers Football Coach Pete McAdams. “He is fast, strong and has good hands. Over 25 percent of his carries resulted in TD’s his senior year. It’s been a joy watching him develop during his SPASH career.”

Justice Menge will take her talents from the SPASH soccer field to Winona State University, where she will join fellow SPASH grad Abby Bohanski. The Warriors compete in the NCAA Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

SPASH finished the 2015 conference season with a 9-3 record, good for second place in the Wisconsin Valley Conference. Menge recorded 11 goals and four assists for the season.

“The SPASH soccer program has provided me with lifelong friendships that I will cherish forever,” said Menge. “SPASH soccer helped me develop team awareness and thinking of what’s best for the team and I hope to bring my speed and team awareness to Winona.”

Menge said it was the Winona campus that attracted her to the school.

“When I stepped onto the campus I got flooded with a feeling of happiness and love,” she said. “I immediately fell in love with Winona. It was so green and the buildings had so much character.”