Sheboygan Lutheran High School senior, Addy Verhagen, became the all-time leading scorer for the Crusader girls’ basketball program when she scored her 1,430th point during Tuesday’s victory in Random Lake. The school’s previous scoring record was set by Ashley (Scheele) Murphy in 2013.
Addy has been a starter for the program since her freshman year, accumulating stats and breaking records along the way. In January 2024, she broke the program’s record for assists, of which she currently has a career total of 437. The previous program record was 325 assists. She also holds the school’s record for steals, with 271 to date. The previous school record was 201. With more than half of her senior season and a hopeful playoff run remaining, Addy’s totals will continue to climb. “I am humbled and honored to have achieved this accomplishment,” commented Addy. “This achievement is not simply a reflection of my effort, but a reminder of the countless hours and sacrifice my father (Nick Verhagen, Crusader varsity boys’ head coach) has poured into my basketball career to help me get here. Furthermore, it is important to recognize the endless support from my teammates, coaches, and most importantly, my family. Without their encouragement and belief in me, none of this would have been possible. I am proud to be part of such a legacy, and I hope that this record serves as an inspiration to those who follow—showing that with unwavering dedication and a relentless work ethic, any goal is within reach. I am grateful for this moment, and I will continue to strive for more in every aspect of my life, both on and off the court. To God be the glory!” Tyler Thomas, varsity head coach, added, “Addy has been a pleasure to coach the past three years. Her competitive drive to be the best is what leads her in her daily routine. She wants to win and is willing to put countless hours in the gym and weight room preparing herself for competition. Addy has been a 3-year captain for our team and leads by word and example. She tries to teach the younger players how to compete at a high level and supports her teammates when they need encouragement. Congratulations, Addy, on accomplishing these milestones!”
Mr. Jurss also has a passion for basketball. In 2007, he began the Slamma Jamma Basketball Camp for children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. In its 17th year (summer 2024), Slamma Jamma had over 190 participants from the community! Mr. Jurss is a faithful follower of Crusader basketball, cheering on his students and conducting post-game interviews with the players. During his time at LHS, he coached the Crusader varsity girls for three years and the junior varsity boys for seven years.
In addition to teaching and coaching, Mr. Jurss is the head of the Crusader Scholarship Committee and coordinator of biweekly chapel presenters and monthly Dress Down Days which raise funds for various non-profit organizations. Mr. Jurss is a Crusader through and through, as a proud alumnus of the class of 1985. He and his wife, Julie (also an LHS alumnae, class of 1986), have sent their four children to LHS: Jordyn (2012), Jake (2015), Jared (2018) and Jonah (2021). They’re now enjoying their newest role: grandparents to 1-year-old grandson, Jettson. When he learned of this recognition, Mr. Jurss chuckled and said, “I’m not sure why I received this. I’m maybe the 15th best teacher on this staff.” (That’s a staff of 15 teachers!) On a more serious note, he added, “This is a humbling award, especially because I’m part of an awesome team of coworkers that make me better. I really can’t imagine doing anything else. Every day is a joy.” As Mr. Jurss reflected on his 30 years at Sheboygan Lutheran, he shared, “One of my favorite parts of being in this ministry for so long is the people. I am now teaching the children of several alumni that I taught when I first started here. It’s awesome to see the Crusader nation continue to grow and strengthen as the years go by.” Matthew Tschudy, Executive Director of Sheboygan Lutheran, commented, “Congratulations to Jeff on this well-deserved nomination. His humble spirit, ability to connect with students, and passion for Christ-centered education are true blessings to our school family. We are thankful for his faithful ministry here and throughout God’s kingdom."
On Friday, February 16, the varsity boys' basketball team clinched its share of the Big East South Conference Championship title with a 67-56 victory over previously undefeated Kohler. Check out the game recaps here: Check out our calendar for the playoff schedule. To God be the glory!
“It looks like a brand new store. I love the bright new look!” That’s what customers and volunteers alike are saying about the newly renovated Neat Repeats Store located on Eastern Avenue in Plymouth.
When Laura Herrmann, Neat Repeats Store Manager, was asked how these improvements will benefit the shoppers, she replied, “At Neat Repeats we pride ourselves on having a store that is neat, clean and well organized. The customer bathrooms are especially appealing, with new fixtures donated by the Kohler Co., new sinks, comfort-height toilets, and non-slip flooring. The new LED lights and carpet make the store appear brighter and more open. The new carpet is much nicer to walk on. The project makes for a pleasant experience for volunteers and customers.” Read the complete press release here.
To get involved with Lutheran High's resale store, visit the Neat Repeats website. And if you're currently an active volunteer looking to sign up for shifts, visit our sign up link. Thanks for thrifting with a purpose!
Two Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School seniors, Andrew Dirkse (left) and Caden Solle (right), recently earned the highest possible ACT composite score of 36. About one-quarter of 1% of students who take the ACT earn a top score. In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2022, only 3,376 out of 1.34 million students who took the ACT earned a top composite score of 36.
“Andrew and Caden have been exemplary students throughout their high school careers, excelling in the classroom, shining in their extracurricular pursuits and being strong Christian leaders among their peers and in the community,” commented Derek Bult, Principal of Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School. “Lutheran High is thrilled to have not one but two students achieve the top ACT score. On behalf of the faculty, staff and student body of Lutheran High, we congratulate these young men on this tremendous accomplishment and wish them continued success in all their endeavors.” Learn more about these two outstanding gentlemen in this press release. |