Lynden football players sign to play in college

Nathan Schumock

Sports Editor

LYNDEN — Former Lynden football players; Dane Gatterman, Lane Heeringa and Troy Petz each had their ceremonial signing day on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Before the signing, Lynden Athletic Director Mike McKee said this group went above and beyond in leadership and sportsmanship.

“I give a lot of credit to our seniors and guys who lead the team to set a precedent,” McKee said. “It is so fantastic because I know they are passing it down to the other guys.” e three of them were indispensable senior leaders during the Lion's title run during the 2022 season. Gatterman was an all-star left tackle for the Lions but unfortunately su ered an injury during the season that sidelined him.

Despite not being in some of the games his leadership exuded from the sidelines.

Gatterman will be attending Eastern Washington University to play football. He will likely be transitioned to a guard after playing primarily tackle in high school.

He said he picked Eastern because the culture felt right there when he visited.

“ e coaches push you to be more than you best, they want you to be a better person than a better football player.”

Petz was the ultimate utility player throughout the season. He could do anything a coach could ask of one player on the football eld. Petz was a starting receiver, defensive back, punter and placekicker. He will be attending the University of Washington in the fall as a punter.

Petz said Washington showed him love and kept in contact with him week in and week out.

Heeringa, the punishing running back and linebacker was the nal signee of the day. Heeringa will be attending Washington State University, which makes him and Petz cross-state rivals.

Heeringa said, “WSU was the only school that gave me a chance, they cared to look.” ese will be three big losses for the Lions heading into next season, but if we know anything about Lynden, it is that they know how to reload their championship-winning squads.