Ionia Athletics
Ionia High School
Announcements and Important Events
Posted 3.0 days ago @ 3:17PM
Congratulations to Sarah Schafer and Carl Goeckel who were named Independent Bank Student-Athletes of the Month for January. Both student-athletes were recognized by Independent Bank representative Boomer Hoppough at Thursday’s IHS student awards ceremony. The award is presented to seniors based on leadership, academics, and athletics. Each student-athlete now qualifies for a chance to win the $1000 Independent Bank Student-Athlete of the Year scholarship presented on senior night to one male and one female athlete.
January Female Athlete of the Month: Sarah Schafer
Parents: Belinda and Todd
College: Undecided
Major: Veterinary Medicine
Sports: Cheer 4yrs., Wrestling 4yrs, and Tennis 3 yrs. (Will be a Block I Award winner). Currently ranked 7th in the state in girls wrestling, 2025 CAAC Conference Champion, and is a 2 time State Finals qualifier.
Academics: Team Academic All-State Wrestling 2022, 2023, and 2024 and IHS Scholar-Athlete.
Leadership: Cheer Team Captain
January Male Athlete of the Month: Carl Goeckel
Parents: Carl and Elizabet Goeckel
College: Air Force Academy (If accepted)
Major: Physical Therapy
Sports: Soccer 4 yrs.and Swimming 4 yrs. State Finals Qualifier in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Swimming CAAC All-Conference 2022, 2023 and 2024, and Soccer CAAC Honorable Mention All-Conference 2024.
Academics: IHS Scholar athlete
Leadership: Team Captain for Soccer and Swim
Both Sarah and Carl are not only successful in their respective sports but in the classroom as well, and serve as great role models for our younger athletes. Congratulations to both of them for being recognized as the Independent Bank female and male student-athletes of the month for January!
Thank you to Independent Bank for their continued support of our student-athletes.