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Bullen signs to stay local, play ball

Todd Rose | Daily Press McKenna Bullen (center) with parents Heidi (left) and Scott (right) as she commits to play softball at Bay College Thursday afternoon in Escanaba.

ESCANABA — After she graduates in May, McKenna Bullen’s softball career will continue in Escanaba, but not as an Eskymo.

Thursday afternoon, Bullen signed her letter of intent to play NJCAA softball at Bay College in a conference held at the Escanaba Senior High School.

Bullen’s choice to join the Norse stemmed from multiple reasons. The first being the work she’s already put in in the classroom.

“I have a lot of college credits already through Bay, and I only need a couple classes until I have my associate’s degree,” she said. “Financially, it was the best decision for me.”

While at Bay, Bullen will be majoring in biology.

Though there were other schools Bullen was considering, it was their affiliations with Bay that led her back to the Norse.

“There was a couple other colleges I’d been looking at,” she stated, “but the colleges I was looking at have connections with Bay. I can always end up going to a four-year after I’m done with my two-year.”

With her mind made up to join the Norse, Bullen is anxious about the transition from high school to college.

“I’m nervous about it,” she said. “I have a workout plan from our strength trainer, so I’m doing that this winter and this summer to get ready for everything and be prepared for that. Hopefully, it’ll help me out.”

Aside from the financial and educational reasons, selecting Bay also gives Bullen the chance to stick around for moments she otherwise may have missed out on if she had gone elsewhere.

“I can be home. I can watch my sister and younger friends graduate,” she said, “and I still get to play the sport I love playing.”

To coach Gary Salo, the addition of Bullen to the Norse is a win-win situation.

“I think it’s awesome for them, and it’s awesome for McKenna,” said Salo. “It’s a tremendous opportunity.”

Bullen, from Salo’s point of view, is already prepared to play at the next level.

“Even her first year when we brought her up, she contributed in our state championship game,” he said, “so she’s more than ready.”

Before McKenna says farewell to her time as an Eskymo, there is still one more season to possibly play. After last year’s season was canceled because of COVID-19, things are still uncertain for this upcoming season.

Regardless, Salo is excited to see Bullen play for the team once again.

“She was ready to be our main outfielder this year,” he said, “and we’re really looking forward to that.”

In the years ahead, Salo is confident the Eskymos will help more athletes reach the next level of play.

“We’re going to keep putting kids to the next level all the time,” he said.

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