BLOOMING PRAIRIE – It was a busy signing day at Blooming Prairie High School as four senior athletes locked up their college choice for next year Friday.

Taylor Christianson signed her national letter-of-intent to NAIA Grandview University under an athletic scholarship for golf, Elly Strunk signed a celebration letter for softball and hockey to Gustavus College, Marissa Larson signed a celebration letter to Bethel University for basketball and Seth Bedenbaugh signed a celebration letter to Division III North Central University.

Strunk has spent the last four years pitching for the BP softball team and playing defense for the Dodge County Wildcats. She said it has been tough to keep up with two sports in two different schools, but it has been worth the sacrifices she’s made.

“It was a lot of miles, it was a lot of time management but it was a lot of fun. I love being busy and I enjoyed it,” Strunk said. “You make a lot of friends and you get more confidence when you’re doing all of these other activities around the state.”

Strunk had originally hoped to play hockey at the Division I level, but she eventually shifted her focus on finding a school where she could play hockey and softball. That’s when she decided to go to Gustavus, which is located in St. Peter, Minn. The Gusties went 18-6-3 in women’s hockey this winter and the Gustavus softball team is currently 11-4 overall.

“As time went on, I realized that I could play both sports and I love both equally,” Strunk said. “Why not take the chance and go to Gustavus?”

Larson’s game has grown by leaps and bounds for BP over the last two years as she’s emerged as a consistent post threat. Originally, she was content on going to a bigger school and giving up basketball. But after she visited Bethel, which is located in St. Paul, Larson’s view changed.

“I decided to check it out and I immediately loved everything about it,” Larson said. “I like the Christian community and the feel I got that people give off. I felt welcomed like I was supposed to go there.”

Larson is hoping to continue to improve on the court for Bethel next season. The Royals went 22-5 overall this past season.

“I’m really excited about it and I want to keep improving and see how far I can take my game.

Bedenbaugh moved to BP from Greenville, Mich. this past September and he wasn’t sure if he would be able to find a Minnesota college to play for with such little time. He also wasn’t sure how he was going to fit in a new school and state for his senior year.

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” Bedenbaugh said. “It was seamless. It’s a great community here and everyone is inviting.”

Bedenbaugh was pleased when North Central University, which is located in Minneapolis, Minn., stepped into the picture.

Bedenbaugh has been putting in time in the gym and the weight room as he prepares to make the jump to college basketball.

“I’m trying to be in the best shape of my life,” he said.

North Central went 18-11 overall this season.

Christianson looks forward to playing golf at Grandview University, which is located in Des Moines, Iowa. She has competed in the last three Minnesota Class A golf tournaments and she finished sixth last year.