19 seniors honored at annual signing ceremony
17 different schools and 11 sports were represented at the ceremony on Wednesday, May 2
May 5, 2018
During the annual signing ceremony, 19 seniors signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at various colleges across the country on Wednesday, May 2.
The signing ceremony had a unique difference this year; seniors signed one-by-one at a table in the center of the main gym, rather than all of the signees having their own individual tables representing their college. This change gave each student more of a spotlight, as everyone took turns being acknowledged alongside their coaches, friends and families at the room’s focal point
For senior Tyler Coad, who is signing to Washburn University to run cross country and track, signing meant fulfilling his dream of running after high school.
“I feel really good to be signing. It’s special,” Coad said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to be a collegiate athlete because it’s always been a dream of mine.”
In light of the upcoming fall semester, senior Payge Bush, who is signing to play soccer at the University of Central Missouri, looks forward to the new experiences that signing will grant her.
“Signing was really exciting and a cool experience. I felt really nervous to sign, but it was super fun,” Bush said. “I’m excited for soccer season to start. I’m also excited to meet new people and take different types of classes.”
Although many student athletes have trouble choosing a college, Bush’s decision came easy after visiting her school.
“I chose my school based on its community when I went and visited it,” Bush said. “I really liked the coach and his personality. I also talked to the girls on my team to see what they thought.”
Coad believes the ceremony gives a good representation of how well-rounded the school’s athletic programs are.
“The ceremony is important because it shows how the school excels at multiple different sports,” Coad said. “We are not just a one-sport school.”
According the Bush, the ceremony is a crucial part in honoring our students’ hard work.
“The ceremony is important because it congratulates all of the athletes,” Bush said. “It shows how hard they’ve worked the past four years to get where they’re going now.”
The following seniors signed:
Ava Taton: Ottawa University, volleyball
Bailey Heffernon: Iowa State University, soccer
Bella Hadden: University of Central Missouri, golf
Brayden Carr: University of Saint Mary, baseball
Brody Flaming: Baker University, football
Conner Ward: Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, wrestling
Cooper Kaifes: Loyola University Chicago, basketball
Devon Handy: Missouri Valley College, baseball
Emily Munyer: Washburn University, soccer
Emmy Bidnick: Kansas State University, dance
Evan Zars: St. Louis University, basketball
Gracie Eckardt: Benedictine College, soccer
Haley Minor: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, gymnastics
Mitchell Dervin: Allen County Community College, cross country and track
Mitchell Grissom: Baker University, football
Payge Bush: University of Central Missouri, soccer
Peyton Moeder: Valparaiso University, softball
Tyler Coad: Washburn University, cross country and track
Will Morris: Mid-America Nazarene University, baseball
