The fax machine was busy Wednesday morning at Auburn Riverside High School.
The school, riding a successful wave of sports team successes, celebrated national letter-of-intent day on Feb. 7 with seven of its top student-athletes receiving college scholarships. Some had already signed with their new schools, while others were about to.
“They’ve had a lot of success in a number of sports,” said Doug Aubert, Auburn Riverside’s athletic director, glancing at the Ravens’ group of seniors gathered at the school’s career center. “It’s cool that a number of them are multi-sport athletes.”
As his proud parents looked on, bright orange-clad Jaden Robinson sifted through the paperwork before signing and sending it to Corvallis, Ore. Robinson, a three-sport star blessed with speed and quickness, was a busy Beaver and soon-to-be cornerback at Oregon State, a late-hour addition for new football coach Jonathan Smith.
“I’m happy about the whole situation,” said the 6-foot-1, 187-pound Robinson, whose big plays and stout defense helped the Ravens capture the North Puget Sound League Olympic Division title and a state playoff berth last season. “They (Oregon State) were consistent. … They were there for me.”
For Robinson, the chance to play in the Pacific-12 Conference trumped offers from the likes of Eastern Washington, Portland State and Idaho.
Robinson was one of three scholarship-bound Ravens off the same football team.
Isaiah Prescott, a versatile and confident three-sport star, signed with the Air Force Academy. Prescott was looking for more out of a college, and the academy fit those needs.
“They want me as a slot receiver and kick return specialist,” said Prescott, the latest from his extended family of athletes to get a chance to play in college. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Tiano Malietufa, who triggered the Ravens at quarterback and filled gaps as an inside linebacker, signed with Central Washington, a Division II power loaded with valley talent. Malietufa was recruited to play defense.
Riley Dunne, one of the area’s top goalies, is ready to do big things at a small school – South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.
Calley Heilborn, Ciera Zimmerman and Anna Maracich – who helped power the Ravens to the state volleyball title – are poised for the next challenge. Heilborn, the state Gatorade Player of the Year, and Maracich, a standout blocker, signed with Western Washington. Zimmerman, a skilled 6-foot setter, is off to Colorado State.
Heilborn, a 6-1 outside hitter, led the Ravens to a 23-1 record and a second-straight Class 4A state championship this past season. Heilborn recorded 484 kills, 366 digs, 60 assists, 45 blocks and 34 service aces while posting a kill percentage of .403. The Player of the Year for both the Tacoma News Tribune and Seattle Times, Heilborn was also MVP of the state tournament for a second straight year.
Elsewhere, Auburn’s Pa’Treon Lee (basketball, Lewis & Clark State College); Jason Brown Jr. (basketball, Northwest University) and Jacob Kludsikofsky (football, Montana Tech University) signed their letters of intent.
From left, Auburn Riverside’s Ciera Zimmerman, Calley Heilborn and Anna Maracich – who led power the Ravens to the state volleyball title – are ready for their college adventure. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter
Auburn Riverside’s Jaden Robinson goes over his paperwork before officially signing with Oregon State University. The Beavers want Robinson to play cornerback. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter
