Berlin Brothersvalley's Hayman commits to inaugural Mount Aloysius rifle team
BERLIN — Samantha Hayman has been shooting archery throughout her life. It's helped translate into a successful rifle career for the Berlin Brothersvalley senior.
On Wednesday, Hayman announced her attentions to attend and compete on the inaugural rifle team at Division III Mount Aloysius College.
"I went to a college visit last year ‒ never really thought it was going to be anything I would want ‒ but I got there and fell in love, immediately," said Hayman of The Mount. "It was small, it wasn't too big, good everything."
In January, Mount Aloysius announced the formation of its co-ed rifle program. Siarra Crum will lead the team.
Hayman became the first recruit to commit to the program, joining North Star graduate Elissa Barron and Portage grad Sydney Castel, who already attend Mount Aloysius, as members of the team. Hayman helped her cause in the recruiting process in getting Crum to attend the state rifle competition.
Maple Princess Pageant Maple Queen Scholarship Pageant set for April 6
"I reached out and said, 'Hey, I am on the Berlin Brothersvalley rifle team. I'll be at states this day. You should come look,'" Hayman said. "She came and (Berlin assistant rifle coach) Ben Whipkey talked to her a little bit. Afterwards, she came up to me and she was like, 'I'd love to have you on the team.'"
She went on another visit to The Mount with Crum and learned what life would be like as a Mount Aloysius rifle team member. Hayman was sold.
Hayman, who boasts a 4.0 GPA, plans to major in nursing. She is the Berlin Brothersvalley President of Leo Club, member of Friends of Rachel Club, student council, National Honor Society, musical, chorus, show choir and cheerleading.
She is a two-time state qualifier in rifle. She is an all-conference honoree. Hayman has competed in the national archery tournament in Nebraska. Hayman's best shooting position is kneeling.
Hayman did not join the Berlin rifle program until her sophomore year. Her quick rise in the sport is due to her dedication and commitment.
"I've put a lot of practice and effort into it," she said.
Having Mountain Bowman Archer Club less than a minute from her home has been valuable to Hayman.
"I never thought it would be possible, but it happened," Hayman said of shooting in college. "It was so unexpected."
Hayman, the daughter of Jonathan and Holly Hayman, thanks all of her coaches. Berlin head coach Eric Johnson pushed her into learning a variety of new rifle skills this year. She said she wouldn't be able to do what she has done without Coach Whipkey, who knows Hayman will flourish, collegiately.
"They will be really lucky to have her as an athlete and a student," Whipkey said. "She definitely has a lot of leadership abilities. From a coach's perspective, she is really coachable. I think they are going to be really lucky to have her on their team. She is going to be a huge asset to them, and I wish her the best of luck."
Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Berlin Brothersvalley's Hayman headed to Mount Aloysius for rifle
