With one more full semester of high school in front of them, a pair of Bonduel High School athletes are looking ahead to fall 2026 when they will attend Division 1 colleges for their education and sports.
Mariah Wondra and Ryan Westrich signed their letters of intent Dec. 11 at the school. Wondra will attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Westrich will be at Western Michigan University.
“Signing to UW-Milwaukee means so much to me, because it allows me to continue pursuing my passion of long-distance running and compete at the highest level while obtaining a degree and master’s in dietetics,” Wondra said. “I am very excited to run under Coach (Priscilla) Schultz, as I feel like I really connected with her during the recruiting process and trust that she is going to help me reach my fullest potential as an athlete and person.”
Westrich will attend Western Michigan on a football scholarship.
“The opportunity to attend Western Michigan University on a full scholarship to play football means the world to me, and I owe all my thanks to my the many great people in my life that helped me become the person I am today,” he said.
Both thanked their coaches, family, teammates and community.
“None of this would have been possible without the support I had around me, which includes my coaches, my teammates, the Bonduel community, my siblings and above all, my parents,” Wondra said. “All of these people have had an impact on me through helping me with my training, racing and supporting me through every high and low.”
Westrich started his expression of thanks with his family.
“Thank you for always being there to support me,” he said. “Words cannot do justice how much I love and cherish you all, but just know that I am beyond thankful that I have all of you in my life.”
He thanked his teammates for the memories, including time at the state basketball tournament and defeating Kewaunee on their football field this season, and the deep playoff runs the past two football seasons.
“My coaches, thank you for pushing me to be the best version of myself,” he said. “Thank you all for your unrelenting dedication to make us all not just better athletes, but better people as well.”
Westrich also thanked the Bonduel community for supporting students at sporting events, band and choir performances, and the district as a whole.
Wondra’s time at BHS included many special moments and accomplishments, including qualifying for state in track and cross country, breaking six school records in cross country and track, and a podium finish at the state track meet her senior year.
“It has been such a privilege to represent Bonduel these past four years, and I am so thankful for my experience as a Bear,” Wondra said.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
