Three More Bear Creek Student-Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent

On May 10, 2024, three Bear Creek seniors participated in a celebratory signing event, indicating their intent to play next year for Claremont McKenna College, United States Military Academy West Point, and Savannah College of Art and Design.

Across the nation, Division 1 and 2 spring season athletes sign their National Letters of Intent (NLI), pledging their commitment to play for a particular school. Whether it’s an official NLI or a celebratory signing for Division 3 and NAIA athletes, it is a momentous occasion marking years of hard work and a desire to compete at a high level. Quinn, Dane, and Harry were honored and celebrated for their dedication and hard work throughout the past four years, which has culminated in the realization of their dreams to play collegiate athletics.

Quinn to Throw for Claremont McKenna

It is doubtful that she remembers, but Quinn was introduced to the javelin at age two when she watched her decathlete uncle, Bryan Clay, qualify for the Olympics in Eugene, OR, and then go on to win the gold medal in Beijing. (As a side note, ten years ago, Bryan came to Bear Creek and spoke at our athletics banquet.) Quinn probably didn’t think much about her previous introduction to the sport, until her freshman year, when she delved into the throwing world and explored new events previously untried. It did not take long for her to fall in love with throwing that giant, sharp spear!

Quinn started working with Coach Duncan Atwood (also an Olympian!) and was surprised in her sophomore year when she qualified for State, placing in the top ten! From there, she worked hard at learning the finer techniques of the sport, qualifying for State again her junior year when she finished in fourth place. Last summer and into the fall, Quinn began to be pursued by a few colleges. After visiting Claremont McKenna where she met the throws coach and some track athletes, Quinn was excited to commit to CMC, an academically excellent school that also produces some amazing track & field athletes!

Before Quinn graduates Bear Creek, however, there is unfinished business. Quinn broke the Bear Creek girls all-time record for the javelin earlier this year and with the postseason now looming, I know she has her sights set on the top of that State podium. We cannot wait to see how it goes, Quinn. Congratulations on four amazing years competing for Bear Creek. And good luck in these next few weeks of playoffs and your journey ahead at Claremont McKenna!

Dane to Play for West Point

The story of rugby at West Point began in 1961 when a group of cadets came together to form the Army Rugby Football Club. From these humble beginnings, the program grew into one of the most respected and successful teams in collegiate rugby and subsequently the winningest sports team in West Point history. Since then, West Point Rugby has consistently stood out as a force to be reckoned with. The school has captured countless championships (winning the NCAA D1 National Championship in 2022), and players have gone on to represent the United States on the international stage.

Dane has now joined this storied legacy which is more than just a team; he is joining a brotherhood rooted in mutual respect and unwavering commitment to lift each other up, both on and off the field. Dane embodies these values perfectly. Throughout his time in high school rugby, he displayed both physicality and mental toughness, pushing forward through challenges with determination and grit. He forged strong bonds with his teammates, united by shared goals and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

As testament to that pursuit of excellence, the Eastside Lions (currently ranked eighth in the country) won the Washington State Championship last year, are currently undefeated, and will play for another State Championship in late May after which they will head to Indiana for a shot at their first National High School Championship at the end of May.

While not a WIAA or Bear Creek sport, we are extremely proud of Dane for his accomplishments, his pursuit of excellence, and his commitment to play at West Point. Congratulations Dane, on this incredible achievement, and good luck in the weeks, months, and years ahead!

Harry to Bowl for Savannah College of Art and Design

Harry’s grandma, Granny Annie, took him to the bowling alley for the first time when he was four years old. He had seen Elmo bowl on Sesame Street and wanted to give it a try. Harry immediately became enamored with the game. The Davis family would play “Imaginary Bowling” at restaurants with Harry using the kiddie crayons to make and fill out bowling score sheets instead of coloring. He bowled so much that first year that he became a sort of mascot at Sun Villa Lanes. They even allowed him to join the junior league a year early.

League play quickly expanded to regional tournaments which led to Harry earning his first invitation to the National Junior Gold Tournament at age 11. Coaches Mike Kelley and Kevin Hong worked very patiently with him early on, helping him fine tune his skills. When Harry got to high school, he set his sights on bowling at the collegiate level. To help achieve that, he enlisted the help of Dean Buchanan and the staff at the Off-Broadway Bowling Academy.

Harry’s hard work along with Coach Buchanan’s mentoring enabled him to finish sixth in the national rankings last year. His strong finish opened the door for many offers from lots of great schools, and after much deliberation, Harry chose the Savannah College of Art and Design where he will join coach Katie Thornton and a team that has just come off of its third consecutive NAIA Championship.

Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment, Harry! You have worked hard, pursued your passion and now, you are a collegiate bowler. We are proud of you.

About The Bear Creek School

Founded in 1988, in Redmond, Washington, The Bear Creek School provides a challenging academic curriculum taught from a Christian worldview. Our graduates qualify for acceptance into the finest colleges and universities and are prepared to engage the world with wisdom, compassion, and courage.

Celebrating over 30 years and recognized as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School, Bear Creek serves students from the greater Eastside and is housed on two campuses. Redmond Campus on Union Hill serves kindergarten to grade 12 students. Valley Campus, also in Redmond, serves preschool students. The Bear Creek School is accredited by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools and Cognia (formerly AdvancED).