INDIAN RIVER – Inland Lakes High School has been successful in several sports over the years.
Plenty of athletes have made their mark and done their part in establishing the Bulldogs as one of the premier schools for athletics in Northern Michigan.
On a rare Sunday afternoon, May 3, Inland Lakes recognized two special athletes that have delivered spectacular high school careers and won plenty of trophies along the way.
But for those two – I-L seniors Andre Bradford and Mary Myshock – the sports journey is only beginning, as both officially signed to play at the college level during a ceremony in front of a big crowd of supporters at their high school gymnasium.
Bradford, an all-state football player for the Bulldogs, signed to play the same sport for Alma College, a school he committed to several months ago.
Meanwhile, Myshock, who recently helped the Inland Lakes girls earn their first-ever regional basketball championship, made her next destination known by signing with Kirtland Community College women’s basketball. Myshock committed to Kirtland in early April.
For both, it was a day to remember.
“When (Myshock) said, ‘Why don’t we do this on the same day?’ and I thought that would be awesome, too, and we should get them knocked out and have a big gathering for everyone,” Bradford said. “It means a lot, and it shows that hard work and dedication can pay off. Coming from a small school, the odds are stacked against you, and when it finally all comes together, it’s pretty awesome.”
Since strapping up the pads years ago, Bradford has been one of the best players in the Inland Lakes program, helping the Bulldogs capture several titles, including multiple Ski Valley crowns, two regional championships, and a state runner-up showing in 2023. While Bradford thrived offensively throughout his career, he’s likely to impact Alma’s program as a defensive back.
“I’ve already been in contact with the bunch of the guys already, seniors, juniors, other freshmen, and I think it’s going to take a lot to be able to get into that rotation, but once I’m there and settled in, there isn’t much that’s going to be able to stop me,” Bradford said.
As for Myshock, an outstanding defensive player, she saw interest from Kirtland late in her high school career, as the scrappy guard did her part in lifting the Bulldogs on a historic run to the state quarterfinal against eventual Division 4 champion Ishpeming. Following the campaign, she considered Kirtland, liked what she saw there, and decided to join.
“It’s something that I truly never expected myself to be capable of,” Myshock said. “I never saw myself going to any sport at the next level, so it’s really special, and to have people rally around and support that, it’s amazing.”
For Myshock, she understands what it’ll take to have success at her future home.
“I think it’s just the determination and mindset,” Myshock said. “You can do it, but it’s going to be hard, and it’ll be an adjustment from a high school sport. It’ll be worth it as long as you do the right things.”
No matter what happens down the road, both Myshock and Bradford were thrilled to experience the rare two-athlete signing ceremony together.
“It’s a memory that I feel like will last forever,” Myshock said. “We’re going to grow old and tell people about that.”
Bradford said he intends to major in electrical engineering at Alma, while Myshock will seek an associate degree in applied science and eventually go to a school with a dental hygiene program.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Inland Lakes seniors Bradford, Myshock celebrate college signings
Reporting by Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
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