Perry High School holds celebratory signing day for Barrios-Munoz, Bell, Diaz and Killmer
Jonathan Barrios-Munoz, Emmalee Bell, Alisson Diaz and Kain Killmer will be continuing their athletic careers at the next level.
The Perry High School seniors were joined by their family, teammates, coaches and fellow students as they signed their National Letters of Intent during a celebratory signing day on Monday, May 6.
“This is a great accomplishment for each of these individuals and their families as they have all put in an insurmountable amount of time and effort into their respective sports,” Activities Director Katelyn Whelchel said.
Barrios-Munoz committed to continuing his soccer career at Simpson College, where he will enroll next fall to major in business.
While two of his former teammates are currently playing soccer at Simpson after committing in 2023, Barrios-Munoz was already set on attending college in Indianola.
“It’s so close to home. I also get the opportunity to play soccer and further my academics,” he said.
Barrios-Munoz credits his coaches and teammates for preparing him to play soccer at a higher level.
“I think since all the boys are really competitive and really care about the sport, I feel like it helps me be able to actually bring that competitive edge once I get to Simpson,” he said. "Since I love the sport so much, the next four years will be really fun."
Bell committed to continuing her softball career at Ellsworth Community College, where she will major in elementary education.
She was drawn to Ellsworth as her travel coach is an assistant coach there.
“The players have a really good sense of community and you can tell they’re all pretty tight-knit,” Bell said of what she likes about the softball program. “I think they’re very driven to achieve their goals and become the best athletes that they can be at this level.”
Bell was inspired to play softball at the next level by her former teammates, including Kathryn West who plays at Central and Lydia Olejniczak who plays at Drake.
“It’s really cool to get that opportunity,” Bell said of continuing her softball career at Ellsworth.
Diaz committed to continuing her cheerleading career at Grand View University, where she will major in nursing.
She decided to cheer at the next level after watching videos of the cheer team at Grand View and then attending tryouts.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to (continue to) do one of the things that I love the most, which is cheer,” Diaz said.
Killmer committed to continuing his wrestling career at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he will major in construction management.
“Just the environment, it seemed like the coaches had something really special going on there,” Killmer said of what drew him to the school.
While he has participated in football, golf and baseball throughout his high school career, Killmer was drawn to continue wrestling in college.
“It’s definitely the toughest sport I do but I always had an appreciation for the grind that it brought along with it,” he said.
Killmer credits his coaches and his wrestling partner, Keegan Snyder, for “bringing high pressure” and helping him prepare to wrestle at a higher level.
“Coach Dardanes always pushed me to the next level and I feel like that’s prepared me and brought me many opportunities I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise,” he said. “I’m just excited to get to work and see what this next chapter brings.”
Before signing their National Letter of Intent, Whelchel reminded the seniors that they are promising to give their best in the classroom and in competition while recognizing that they will “forever be a representative of the Bluejay Way.”
“Congratulations seniors,” Whelchel said. “The Perry Activities Department would like to wish you the best of luck in your future plans and thank you for participating in activities throughout your high school careers.”
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Perry High School holds celebratory signing day for four seniors
