2022-23 Independent Bank Athletes of the Year

Congratulations to Rajalyaj Esquivel and Sam Eppler who were named the 2022-23 Independent Bank Student-Athletes of the Year.  Both Rajalyaj and Sam were recognized by Independent Bank representative Boomer Hoppough on Tuesday, May 23rd at Class Night.  The award has been presented to seniors based on leadership, academics, and athletics for over 25 years.  Independent Bank gave each student-athlete  a $1,000 scholarship towards their future education.

Female Athlete of the Year: Rajalyaj Esquivel

Parents: Melissa and Jose Esquivel

College: Central Michigan University

Major: Early Childhood Development

Sports: Volleyball 4 yrs., Basketball 4 yrs., Softball 4 yrs. and Block I Award Recipient

Academics: CAAC Top 10 Senior Scholar-Athlete, CAAC Scholar-Athlete, IHS Scholar-Athlete, IHS Bulldog Scholar, and IHS Senior Scholar.

Leadership: Member of  Ionia National Honors Society and captain of the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams

Male Athlete of the Year: Sam Eppler

College: West Point

Major: Defense and Strategic Studies

Sports: Tennis(CAAC White Champions 21-22 & 22-23), Ionia County Player of the Year 21-22, Team MVP 20-21, 21-22, &  22-23, State Finals 22-23, and Honorable Mention All-State 22-23), Basketball (CAAC White Champions 21-22 and Team Academic All State 21-22), and Track (CAAC White Champions 21-22, CAAC White All Conference 21-22, Track All Region 21-22).

Academics: CAAC Top 10 Senior Scholar-Athlete, CAAC Scholar Athlete, IHS Scholar Athlete, and IHS Honor Roll student.

Leadership: Link Crew Officer, Interact Club, Ionia Athletic Advisory Committee, Youth Advisory Committee, Principal Student Advisory Committee, National Honor Society Treasurer, and Superintendent Advisory Council 

Both Rajalyaj and Sam have represented their teams, school, families, and community with pride over the last 4 years.  They have made their teams and teammates better through their participation and are better for having participated.   We wish both of these Bulldogs good luck in all their future endeavors. 

Thank you to Independent Bank for their continued  support of our student-athletes.