La Conner athletes sign letters of intent

Three graduating La Conner High School student-athletes will take their best shots at the collegiate level next year.

Graduating seniors Abigail Udlock, Tommy Murdock and Morgan Huizenga signed letters of intent June 5 to compete in college athletics during a 30-minute ceremony at Whittaker Field attended by friends, family members, coaches, school administrators and fellow students.

Udlock, a state qualifier in golf this season, signed to compete in 2024-25 at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma.

Murdock, a five-time state hurdles champion, will join the track program at Spokane Falls Community College.

Huizenga, a key member of La Conner’s 2022 state championship volleyball team, signed with Skagit Valley College.

“Signing a letter of intent is entering into a contract,” La Conner High School head track coach Peter Voorhees told the group. “It means that it’s official, that ‘this is where we’re going.’ The colleges are offering them roster spots and there are only so many of those, so this is a real honor.”

High School Principal/Athletic Director Christine Tripp, who called the signing event “a momentous occasion,” read aloud letters from the signees’ future college coaches welcoming them to their teams.

UPS and SVC coaches said that they’re looking forward to Udlock’s and Huizenga’s arrivals on campus.

In his letter, a Spokane Falls representative said he attended the recent State 2B Track-and-Field Championships in Yakima “90 percent to see Tommy.” He said Murdock had an outstanding mentor and coach in Voorhees, a track athlete at Spokane Falls before transferring to the University of Alabama.

“You’re good right now and your upside is great,” the Spokane Falls coach wrote of Murdock.

Tripp said the future looks bright for all three La Conner signees, each of whom was seated at a separate table adorned with framed action photos and certificates.

“We’re excited to see you at the next level,” she said.

Tripp expressed thanks to the families, friends and coaches of the athletes for their support and lauded the commitment of the college-bound seniors to their respective sports as well.

In addition to the letters of intent signing, Tripp presented La Conner High School athletics awards to underclassmen.

Teacher Bryan Milliren introduced the school’s incoming student leadership team, including 2024-25 student body president Kendall Lee.

“This is the first time we’ve had a full slate of (student) officers since the pandemic,” Milliren said. “What an exciting end to our school year.”