The Catawba Ridge Copperheads had 11 athletes sign on National Signing Day Wednesday.
The signees were again history makers as they were the first true freshman class that came into the school four years ago when it opened.
“It is a pretty good group,” said Catawba Ridge athletic director Rick Lewis.
Among those signing are three baseball players, two volleyball players, two girls soccer players and four others from four different sports.
The Copperheads baseball program had the most signees out of the Wednesday events held in the school’s gym known as The Arena. Jonathan Barschow will be going to USC Lancaster; Jacob Iverson will be heading to Emory and Henry University and Jake McCoy will be going to Wofford College.
“They have done a great job of establishing things we wanted to establish as far as our culture in baseball,” said Catawba Ridge head baseball coach Stas Swerdzewski. “These guys have played a big role.”
For girl’s soccer, Adrienne Cooper is heading to Lees-McRae College and Ruby Stayduhar is heading to Lander University. Catawba Ridge head girl’s soccer coach Brandon Schmidt spoke highly of both players.
“Lees-McRae is getting a good one,” he said. “Ruby leads by example. Lander is lucky to have her.”
The Bryant sisters, Ariana and Ariel, become the first volleyball players to sign to play in college for the Copperheads. They are heading to Converse College together.
“They are both rock stars,” said Catawba Ridge head volleyball coach Alicia Lisee. “They are the hardest workers on the court. They have done a great job. I couldn’t think of two better girls to represent us at the next level.”
The other four signees came from cheer, girl’s golf, cross country and boy’s lacrosse. Hannah Drury will be heading to Erskine College to cheer.
“She is one of the most dedicated athletes I have seen,” said Copperheads cheer coach Kristin Rhodes.
Jenna Couch will be running cross country at Columbia College.
“She is a state caliber athlete,” said Catawba Ridge cross country coach Matt Osmulski.
Eileen Zeoli will be staying close by and playing college golf at Winthrop University.
“I am spoiled at her work ethic,” said Copperheads girl’s golf coach Chris Powers.
Adam Christenberry will be heading to Newberry College to play lacrosse.
“It is not often you can say the best player is your hardest worker as well,” said Catawba Ridge boy’s lacrosse coach Matt Day. “It is a high caliber program for a high caliber player.”
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
