The Catawba Ridge Copperheads held their only signing day of the school year with more than two dozen athletes participating.
“This is a huge accomplishment for these athletes,” said assistant athletic director Allen Runyon.
Of the 25 athletes participating, some had already signed back earlier in the academic year, but others had signed just recently. The 25 athletes represented football, baseball, cross country, track, cheerleading, girls’ lacrosse, softball and both boys’ and girls’ soccer.
Baseball and boys’ soccer had the most signees with five each. For baseball, most had already inked their letters of intent. They were Zach Boutwell (Gardner-Webb University), Caden Glauber (University of North Carolina), Britton Nash (USC-Sumter), Sam Schwamb (North Carolina A&T), and Gavin Oberg (Mount Saint Mary College).
“You look at this class and there were pieces of the 2023 state championship,” said Catawba Ridge head baseball coach Stas Swerdzewski. “It is a very solid class. We have five seniors and all five are going to play at the next level. It is a great opportunity for these guys.”
Boys’ soccer had five sign in Justus Abramo (Ave Maria University), Liam Prendergast (Lenoir-Rhyne University), Jermaine Smith (Lander University), Jeremy White (Lander University), and Joshua Zawlocki (USC-Upstate).
“In soccer, it is difficult to play in college,” said Catawba Ridge head boys soccer coach Dr. Philip McCarter. “It takes a lot of work. It shows the commitment of the senior class. It takes a lot of dedication.”
McCarter said the day for him meant a lot, not just for having five seniors sign, but his daughter, Lydia McCarter signed to play college lacrosse at Marietta College.
“It was extra special with my daughter signing too,” he said.
Both softball and football had four players sign. For football it was, Parker Arnold (Mars Hill University), Braylen Burgis (Mars Hill University), CJ Couch (Mars Hill University), and Lewis Price (Limestone University).
“The four guys that signed were really dedicated to bringing pride and tradition back to Catawba Ridge after we had a down year their junior season,” said Catawba Ridge head football coach Zac Lendyak. “Them doing their thing is what got the eyes on them.”
Softball players signing were Aloni Hogans (Queens University), Kendra Murray (Wingate University), Kyrsten Reynolds (North Greenville University), and Sarah Rocheleau (Clemson University).
“This is a special class of seniors for sure,” said Catawba Ridge head softball coach Mike Mayak. “Most girls dream of playing in a state championship game. This class has an opportunity to play for four straight state titles. They are hard working, humble and hungry. They are leaving their legacy on the program and making an impact on the younger girls.”
McKenna Randall and Phoebe Serkin, both signed to play girls’ soccer at Catawba College.
Jordan Kent signed to run track and cross-country at Newberry College and Cason McKinney signed to run track at USC-Upstate.
Naomi Thereault signed to play girls’ lacrosse at Virginia Wesleyan University.
Isaiah Morton signed to cheer at Limestone University.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
