ROANOKE, Va. – National Signing day was a big one for three schools in our area on Wednesday.
At Christiansburg High School, 14 student-athletes committed to continue their academic and athletic careers. It’s a group that athletics director Tim Cromer called special considering the challenges they’ve been through.
“Just really proud of this senior class because of what they’ve had to endure over the last 18-20 months,” said Cromer. “We were very happy that they were able to play and participate and I just think it’s a credit to them-- classmates and teammates that stayed in athletics and persevered through that time frame-- that they weren’t able to play.”
Christiansburg signees:
-Nick McCumsey: Radford University (Cross Country)
-Allison Sarver: Roanoke College (Cross Country)
-Evan Spaulding: Milligan University (Cross Country & Outdoor Track)
-Brady Barrett: Hamline University (Football)
-Caleb Henley: Emory & Henry (Football)
-Matt Simmons: Shenandoah University (Basketball)
-Connor Brizendine: Barton College (Baseball)
-Clay Clatterbaugh: Radford University (Baseball)
-Tripp Compton: Southwest Virginia Community College (Baseball)
-Reagan Harris: VMI (Baseball)
-MJ Hunter: Concord University (Baseball)
-Ian Perkins: Southwest Virginia Community College (Baseball)
-Jamie Adams: Ferrum College (Soccer)
-Julia Johnson: Roanoke College (Soccer)
At the Eagles nest in Rocky Mount, Franklin County had 12 student athletes put pen to paper.
“The exciting thing is the teammates that were here today, and I mentioned this, but wait until next year, said Franklin County Principal Jon Crutchfield. “We have some wonderful athletes that came here to support their teammates. So, now this is a big expectation. Our kids enjoy looking forward to this day, they enjoy supporting their teammates and friends so we’re really excited we get to do it.”
-Bryson Chrisman: Averett University (Football)
-Landon Church: Averett University (Football/Wrestling)
-Owen Donald: Randolph-Macon (Football)
-Josh Luckett: Ferrum College (Football)
-Jayron Smith: Ferrum College (Football)
-Allison Teer: Randolph-Macon (Swimming)
-Caroline Turner: University of Mary Washington (Swimming)
-Harper Dillon: Hollins University (Track)
-Dakota Treadway: Ferrum College (Tennis)
-Ainsley Walker: Penn State, New Kensington (Softball)
-Morgan Lietz: Emory & Henry (Wrestling)
-Jared Wright : Hood College (Baseball)
In Bedford, Liberty High School had five student athletes make commitments as well.
“It speaks volumes for our kids and our families but it also speaks volumes for the coaches we have and what they instill in our athletes each and every day and the hard work they continue to put forth despite whatever obstacles are in the way,” said athletics director Lori Mattson. “Their perseverance , dedication and commitment to what they’re doing throughout this tough year was amazing to watch.”
-Bryan Carter: Emory & Henry (Wrestling)
-Deven Blackston: Emory & Henry (Football)
-Blake French: Mary Baldwin University (Baseball)
-Avery Salyer: Patrick Henry Community College (Baseball)
-Manila Amstel: Concord University (Softball)