Menominee Indian’s Uttecht signs letter of intent

KESHENA — Menominee Indian High School senior Riley Uttecht signed a letter of intent to continue his baseball career at Bay College in Escanaba, Michigan.

Uttecht signed his letter on Thursday in front of coaches, friends and family at the school.

“It’s a dream come true. Ever since I can remember, it’s been my dream to play college baseball,” said Uttecht. “I’m really excited to play.”

After putting pen to paper, Uttecht shared long embraces, smiles and kind words with his father Nick Uttecht, mother Danae Delabrue and uncle William Heath Jr., who sat at his sides while signing. Menominee Indian baseball coach Karl Peters also sat at the table as Uttecht signed.

Uttecht’s primary position on the field is catcher, with second base being his secondary position.

The senior takes advantage of several opportunities to play ball, playing for the Menominee Legion and Menominee BABA teams over the summer.

Uttecht’s recruitment process can be linked to Richard “R.J.” Wayka, who graduated from MIHS this past spring.

Uttecht said he created a profile through Next College Student Athlete (NCSA), which helps high school athletes with the recruiting process.

He then reached out to Bay College head baseball coach Mike Pankow, and after getting a response back, had a back-and-forth conversation with the coach.

Uttecht, who also was considering playing for Bryant and Stratton College in Wauwatosa, decided on Bay College after taking a visit.

“When I went up to Escanaba, it felt a little bit more like home. I was more comfortable with it up there,” said Uttecht.

With a season of high school baseball still left, Uttecht is hoping to make it a memorable one.

“I want to prove that all my hard work has paid off, especially since it’s my senior season,” said Uttecht. “I want to put up good numbers this year to prove why I’m going to be playing college baseball.”

When he arrives on campus, Uttecht figures to have a familiar face to turn to for guidance, as Wayka signed his letter of intent to play at Bay College this season.

“It means so much to me and it’s just crazy to think that I’ll be playing college (baseball) with somebody I played in high school with,” said Uttecht.

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