SUMNER, Neb. — One of the smallest schools in the state is churning out multiple college athletes.

Sumner-Eddyville-Miller’s senior class has fewer than 20 students. Jenna Claflin signed in December. On Tuesday, Mikah O’Neill and Ryan Arbuthnot made their college choices official.

“We’ve been here at school together since we were in kindergarten," Arbuthnot said. "We’ve just created a bond that’s developed over these last 12 years. We’re always pushing each other to do the best we can.”

The friendly competition helped lift both the volleyball and football teams to state championships in the fall. Arbuthnot managed the game-winning blocked kick in football and O’Neill notched the match-winning kill in volleyball.

Beyond the trophy, O’Neill left her personal mark on the history books. She set at least nine school records, including the career marks for kills, digs, blocks and aces.

“I honestly want my legacy to be my leadership for my team," O'Neill said. "I try every day to lead my team and just push them every day in practice. Yeah, those records are on the board, but at the end of the day, I want to be remembered for my leadership.”

Next, she has her eyes on Hastings College. She credits her relationship with the Broncos head coach for helping her decide on Hastings.

“I definitely hope to be challenged," O'Neill said. "Everybody in college ball is wanting the same thing, obviously, to play and be competitive. So I’m really looking forward to that competitiveness with my new teammates.”

Arbuthnot has wanted to play college football since he was a kid, but thought playing six-man football in high school might be a barrier. It turns out, it might have helped showcase his skills.

“Coaches love seeing open-field tackling," Arbuthnot said. "So, if you’re a decent set guy and you can get out in space, turn a guy inside or make a tackle clear down the field, that’s just something coaches really like.”

He visited several NAIA schools in the area, but once he heard from UNK coach Ryan Held in December, he knew he wanted the chance to compete in Div. ll.

“I always went to Loper football games as a little kid," Arbuthnot said. "Watching those guys on the field, you’re like, ‘you know what, one day I want to be one of those guys.’ I have the opportunity to do that.”