Ring-the-Bell Student-Athletes of the Month for November 2024

As we begin the winter sports season, we celebrate these student-athletes who are ringing the bell—personally, athletically, and academically. 🔔 Join us in congratulating the November Ring the Bell Student-Athletes of the Month! 

• Boys Basketball—Sam Porras `25: Sam has made a strong start to the season. As a senior captain of the team, Sam has set expectations with his leadership and focus during the first week of practice. Sam contributed great defensive effort and scored 19 points in the team’s season-opening victory at Valley Christian. While he hones his athletic prowess with consistent attendance at morning workouts, Sam is also a dedicated participant in Open Art Studio, where he works hard to develop his talent for ceramics. When Sam has a little downtime on the weekend, he can often be found exploring Beaver Dam with his friends or fostering the dormitory community in Wayland Hall. Sam is ringing the bell in various aspects of student life at Wayland.

• Girls Basketball—Jasleen Bhandal `25: This month, the girl's basketball program is proud to recognize senior and JV co-captain Jasleen Bhandal for her outstanding contributions to our girls’ basketball teams. Jasleen embodies the true spirit of teamwork, striving to uplift her teammates with her positive attitude and unwavering support. Her dedication to giving 100% on and off the court, combined with her high character and academic excellence, makes her a role model for all. Jasleen’s selflessness and commitment to helping others shine truly set her apart. Congratulations, Jasleen, on this well-deserved recognition! #RingTheBell

• Cheerleading—Mikah Agno `25: Mikah is a veteran of the cheerleading team at Wayland, returning for her senior year. She was a junior captain for the 2023-24 season and has just been appointed captain for the 2024-25 season! For her coaches, it was an easy choice. She demonstrates leadership in practice and the classroom and exemplifies all we look for in our cheerleading athletes. And on top of all of this, she is an extremely talented performer. 

• Fencing—Connor Van Nocker `27: Connor has been a great addition to fencing this year. He has the most enthusiasm for the sport of fencing. 

• Forensics—Liz Strut `27: Liz has continuously demonstrated her love for Forensics, and she conveys that love to others. She worked on which category and topics she wanted to present this season all through the summer, and right away when the school year started.  She is very enthusiastic and passionate about Forensics, and she is working hard to do even better this year as a second-year team member. Liz encourages other team members and has embraced the new members this year, giving them good advice and presentation tips. Liz is able to be a great student in addition to focusing hard on Forensics, and she can see how her speech relates to her classes; she is currently working on a speech that delves into Psychology!  Liz is definitely worthy of being Forensic's RTB Athlete of the Month. 

• Powerlifting—Hayden Bresler Livingston `26: The Ring the Bell Student-Athlete of the Month for powerlifting for November is Hayden! He has shown up each day with a positive attitude and great energy! We look forward to a big season of growth from Hayden and appreciate his #RTB attitude so far!  

• Boys Swimming—Daniel Brunstad `27: Daniel has made tremendous progress since last year and continually works hard every day with a smile. At our first meet, he swam two events back to back and helped add points to our victory over Jefferson 

• Wrestling—Soren Nico `28: Soren suffered a devastating shoulder injury that will keep him on the sidelines from participating in active wrestling this season. He was asked to be a manager for the team, and he responded that he could help the team in additional aspects such as teaching/coaching and mentoring the other athletes on the team. Soren has a deep understanding of the necessities for preparation and training, in match experience, and succeeding at the sport at some of the highest levels. In the short time of the season so far, Soren has demonstrated outstanding leadership while assisting wrestlers new to the sport in learning as quickly as possible. Finally, Soren told me that he was disappointed he wasn't able to compete this season, but if he can't compete on the mat, he is going to give it his all to help those who can. For the reasons listed, Soren Nico is wrestling's athlete of the month.

Way to go, Ring the Bell student-athletes! 🔔 🎉