Whitehall’s Jaiden Altgilbers signs with Hope College for football

By Craig Beilfuss
LocalSportsJournal.com

WHITEHALL–Whitehall senior Jaiden Altgilbers is taking his football talents to Hope College next fall. Altgilbers recently signed his national letter of intent in a ceremony held at Whitehall high school.

Altgilbers was a three-year starter for Coach Tony Sigmon. He was a key contributor at linebacker on defense and slot receiver on offense during his senior season.

Hope is a Division III college and a member of the MIAA. The Flying Dutch went 6-4 overall last season and 3-3 in the league.

“I chose Hope College because I wanted to go somewhere that was going to grow my faith and grow me as a person and a football player,” said Altgilbers. “The coaching staff and players also made it feel like home right away. I’m also super excited to continue playing with one of Whitehall’s best athletes, Nate Bolley.”

Last season, Altgilbers had 61.5 tackles and helped Whitehall finish 11-1 overall record and 6-0 in the West Michigan Conference Lakes Division. He had 12.5 tackles for loss and picked off one pass. During his junior season, Altgilbers registered 48.5 tackles.

During his career at Whitehall, Altgilbers was selected to first-team all-conference, first-team all-region, Muskegon Dream Team and D3-D4 honorable mention all-state.

Photo courtesy of LSJ photographer Leo Valdez

While Altgilbers is ready to hit the football field, he doesn’t quite know what his role will be with the Flying Dutch.

“I see my role being the best version of myself as a player and a teammate,” he said. “I am going to play my role and try and win championships.”

For Altigilbers, his days at Whitehall were memorable.

“Playing at Whitehall has been one of my biggest blessings,” said Altgilbers. “We won a lot of games and trophies, but the relationships I had with the players and coaches will stick with me forever. I’m very thankful to all of the teachers and administrators who have guided and been a mentor for me throughout these four years. None of this would have been possible without them.”

Altgilbers has chosen Education as his major. He has a 3.7 grade-point-average at Whitehall.

Jaiden is the son of Heidi Altgilbers, and stepson of Jon Honore.