BY KAYLA GATES
As the spring season approaches, CCHS seniors have begun to make big decisions regarding their future after high school. With many student-athletes hoping to continue playing sports in college, a select few have already committed to a collegiate career.
On February 4, CCHS held one of its first singing days of the 2020-2021 school year. With the hopes of putting sports in the spotlight, the event was centered around students who have committed to colleges for an athletic program.
The CCHS athletic department came together to honor the achievements of five student-athletes. The soon-to-be graduates gathered in the auditorium after school, accompanied by a few members of their families in order to maintain COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.
The ceremony began with an introduction by CCHS Athletic Department Head Paul Megna. As both a teacher and father of student-athletes, Megna delivered a heart-felt speech regarding the significance of the event. He congratulated the seniors on their accomplishments and emulated the pride Megna said their parents should be feeling.
Following the introduction, each athlete was called to the stage individually, where they had the opportunity to sign their commitment letter with a commemorative pen.
Following the introduction, each athlete was called to the stage individually, where they had the opportunity to sign their commitment letter with a commemorative pen. Many of the students wore attire representing their selected college. Each one was later joined by their family for photos in order to capture the moment.
The first student-athlete to be called to the stage was senior Karlie Schlosser, who has committed to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Having played varsity soccer as a Cowboy for all four years of her high school career, Schlosser had made quite the impact on the CCHS athletic program. Soccer coach Kevin Coleman joined Schlosser on her big day.
Megna was sure to point out that the signing happened to fall on the National Girls and Women in Sports Day, as Schlosser was the only female athlete attending the signing. The significance of the holiday rang closely with the achievement of her signing.
Next, CCHS baseball coach Brian Clark was introduced, as he was celebrating the commitments of four of his student-athletes. While the spring baseball season has only just started, a select few students have already begun looking to the future.
While the spring baseball season has only just started, a select few students have already begun looking to the future.
Senors Ryan Leimen and Franklin Vasquez were called to the stage for their commitments to Brevard College in North Carolina. While the two are still unsure if rooming together is an option, Megna was quick to celebrate the idea of collegiate competition with a former teammate.
Next up, senior Jacob Dorn was called upon to sign to Hillsborough Community College in Central Florida. Although Dorn’s previous season had been cut short due to an injury, he is now recovered and ready to play baseball once again.
Finally, senior Isaac Castro celebrated his commitment to Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. Having left his mark on the CCHS baseball program, Castro is now ready for the next chapter of his career as a collegiate athlete.
With an initial signing day for the 2020-2021 school year in the books, five CCHS seniors have committed to a future in collegiate sports. Megna foresees many more signing days in the future, hoping that all CCHS student-athletes will have the opportunity to sign and celebrate their college decisions.
Photo by Kayla Gates
