On Thursday, February 6th, City hosted a signing day for its athletes who are planning to further their athletic careers in college. Seven Little Hawks put pen to paper on Thursday. Signing day completes a player’s recruitment and finalizes their commitment to that program.
Dom Salibi (Upper Iowa Football)
Dom will be taking his talents to Upper Iowa to play defensive back. This past year, Salibi was first-team all-conference and is excited to continue his athletic journey. Dom said of his commitment, “Committing to Upper Iowa feels like stepping into a future full of opportunity.”
Bobby Bacon (Pitt State Football)
Bobby will be attending Pittsburg State to play quarterback. At City, Bobby broke four school passing records as a two-year starter and was also a two-time first-team all-conference player and conference MVP. Bacon said, “I can’t wait to go to Pittsburg and compete for championships. It’s been a fun journey at City High, and I am excited to start the next.”
Dieme Lipanda (Iowa Western Football)
Dieme will be signing with Iowa Western to play offensive line. “Western is an elite program, and I am excited to get to work,” Lipanda said. At City High, Dieme was a multisport athlete who played three years of varsity football, playing on both sides of the ball at various points in his career.
Parker Sutherland (Northern Iowa Football)
Parker is signing with UNI to play tight end and has been on varsity for three years, starting two of them while also making first-team all-conference in his senior season. Parker was second-team all-state in 2024 and received a lot of attention during recruitment, taking visits to Nebraska, Illinois, and Iowa. In December, Parker decided to commit to Pitt State, but after a coaching change at Northern Iowa, Parker flipped his commitment and is now officially signed as a Panther. “UNI has always been a place I wanted to go. It’s close to home, and the new coaching staff has been great.”
Calin Wagner (Wartburg Football)
Calin Wagner announced his commitment to Wartburg for football on January 30th. Throughout his career at City High, Calin played varsity football for all four years, starting three of them before moving to play center in his senior year and being named to first-team all-conference. “I’m excited to play with a high-level, competitive football program and also win championships.”
Kendall Kurtz (Coe Wrestling)
Kendall Kurtz is a four-year varsity starter for the Little Hawks and placed eighth at state last year. He is also a captain of this year’s wrestling team and is having a strong season, currently ranked 6th in the state. Kurtz received his 100th win this year, with many more to come as he looks forward to districts and state. Kendall will also wrestle at Coe College, where his father wrestled, as well as his brother, Kael Kurtz, who graduated last year after wrestling for the Little Hawks. Kendall Kurtz is “very excited” to continue his wrestling career at Coe College and dominate on the mat with his brother.
Jack Dancer (Drake Soccer)
Jack will be playing soccer at Drake after a great career at City. During that time, Jack was a four-year varsity starter and a captain for two years. About his commitment, Jack said, “I’m very excited that I was able to find a school that fits me, and I look forward to continuing my soccer career at a high level.”
Jackson Nichols-Lindsey (Augsburg Soccer)
Jackson committed to Augsburg University to play center back. During his time at City, Jackson was a four-year varsity player and two-year captain. As for his future, Jackson says he is “super excited” to continue his athletic career at the next level.
Tyler Rindels (Northern Illinois Football)
Tyler committed to NIU to play offensive tackle. Tyler was a first-team all-state player and a three-year varsity starter. Tyler said of his commitment, “I am super excited to continue my athletic career at the highest level at Northern Illinois.”
