By Gianna Flacco
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Four Camden County College student athletes April 13 signed national letters of intent to play for Division I and II colleges.
Wrestler Dymere Rappa has signed to attend Lindenwood University, a Division II institution in St. Charles, Mo. Rappa has been wrestling since second grade and attended Paulsboro High School before enrolling at Camden County College. Rappa started wrestling for CCC in 2015.
He has received several wrestling accolades throughout his college career thus far, including a 46-5 record, two-time All-American, National Champion, 7-0 at the Virginia Duals and an award for Most Outstanding Wrestler. Rappa’s decision to attend Lindenwood for wrestling was an easy one.
“I felt very comfortable when I went for my visit at Lindenwood. The coach is a local South Jersey guy and one of my friends that I grew up with is also on the team,” he said.
Soccer players Emily Goeltz and Lauren Larmanis have signed to attend Goldey-Beacom College, a Division II institution in Wilmington, Del., while soccer teammate Rachel Ingram has signed to attend St. Peter’s University, a Division I institution in Jersey City, N.J. These three women are not only soccer teammates but also good friends. Goeltz has been playing soccer since the age of 3, and Ingram and Larmanis have been playing since the age of 4.
Goeltz attended Haddon Heights High School before CCC, while Ingram went to Pennsauken High School and Larmanis attended Timber Creek High School. All three started playing soccer for the Cougars in the 2015 season.
Goeltz and Ingram were team captains and led the Lady Cougars to the playoffs. Ingram was awarded 3rd Team All-Region as a freshman, and Larmanis received 1st Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-Region for the 2016 season.
Goeltz and Laramis had positive outlooks about their decisions.
“I received a scholarship to Goldey-Beacom, and I really like the size of the college. It’s a small school,” said Goeltz.
“My boyfriend goes to Goldey-Beacom, and I was given the opportunity to play soccer there, so it’s a pretty set deal,” Larmanis stated.
Ingram’s decision to attend St. Peter’s was also easy to make.
“Our assistant coach got SPU’s coach to come to the championship game back in October. It was the only squad I was looking at and the school gave me a good offer. I also really like that it’s a small school,” she said.
Although Goeltz, Ingram and Larmanis will play for different schools, they have something in common: their most memorable game.
“The most memorable game for us would have to be our first game against RCGC (Rowan College at Gloucester County),” said Goeltz. Larmanis said, “For how good that team was, we did really well for not having any subs.” Said Ingram, “We played with a lot of team effort. We played our hearts out.”
Camden County College students (from left) Dymere Rappa, Emily Goeltz, Lauren Larmanis and Rachel Ingram have signed letters of intent. Left photo provided, right photo by Gianna Flacco, CCC Journalism Program