Athletes announce big decisions on Signing Day

Senior+Dawson+Cox+commits+to+Shenandoah+University+on+Feb.+3+during+the+Signing+Day+Zoom+meet.

Nate Page

Senior Dawson Cox commits to Shenandoah University on Feb. 3 during the Signing Day Zoom meet.

Athletes from all over verbally committed to the college of their choice on Feb. 3. for this year’s Signing Day. Hard work, time, and dedication build a special milestone each year on National Signing Day- a day even COVID could steal.

“I believe it is my job to prepare these guys for the future; I didn’t have that while I was in high school. Football only lasts for a small percentage of your life so being ready to handle life after football is more important,” said football coach Mike Alston.

The NCAA suspended all in-person D1 recruiting through April 15, 2021. Since Sept. 2020, D2 and D3 schools have resumed recruiting. National Signing Day occurs the first Wednesday of February annually for athletes committing to Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 schools. The final signing day for all athletes is Aug. 1, 2021.

“Putting the pen on the paper was such a relief. It’s a moment every athlete dreams of, and it’s amazing knowing the years of work were worth it,” said CNU commit Luke Bevins, who plans to football there.

During Ocean Lakes’ Signing Day Zoom meeting, athletes from many sports, including football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and swim, committed to schools all over the country. In the meeting, students, parents, and coaches, along with Principal Dr. Claire LeBlanc, shared their thoughts and appreciation for their athletic success. Despite the many seasons cut short due to the pandemic, these athletes earned an opportunity to play their sport at the next level. 

“I knew that committing to Virginia Tech was the right choice from the get go. I grew up going to football and baseball games, so being a lifelong fan made the decision easier,” said senior Carson Demartini, who plans to play baseball for Tech. “Along with the brand new, state of the art facilities, the coaches in Blacksburg projected me out and saw me as an impact player in the ACC by taking a chance on me at such a young age.”