Eight Nation Ford athletes signed letters of intent Thursday as part of the school’s spring signing period.
Two runners, two soccer players, two lacrosse players, a baseball player and a football player all made their commitments official.
“On this day it is all about them and what they have accomplished,” said Nation Ford athletic director Jaybe Shackleford.
The two runners committing were Ansley Archuleta, who will be running track at East Tennessee State University, and Connor O’ Flynn, who will be running both track and cross-country at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
“East Tennessee State is getting a good one,” said Jake Brenner, Nation Ford track and cross-country head coach. “She is a super hard worker. Connor had a great senior year and that propelled him.”
The two lacrosse players are Tyler Ajemian, who is going to Pfeiffer University, and Ty Keaton, who is going to Salisbury University. Both players have helped to lead Nation Ford to a memorable season.
“We had multiple kids who could have signed,” said Falcons’ boys lacrosse head coach Cory Turner. “I expect us in the next few years to have more guys playing at the next level. That is the goal.”
Keaton leaves Nation Ford as the school’s career goal scoring leader and went over the 200-point mark in his career Thursday night against T.L. Hanna.
Eric Yelton will be playing baseball at USC-Union. He has helped to lead Nation Ford to a 13-5 record this season thus far. Through 15 games, Yelton is hitting .226 with a home run and 12 RBI. On the mound he is 3-1 with a 2.43 ERA in five games.
Steven McFadden is the Falcons football player, who will be playing at Presbyterian College next season. McFadden missed the majority of his senior year with a right knee injury playing in a couple of games before the injury took him out for the season.
“We are extremely excited for him to get the opportunity,” said Michael Allen, Falcons’ head football coach. “He has worked hard to get back.”
McFadden has two rushes for 45 yards and a touchdown his senior year before the injury, but also caught 18 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown as well.
Roman McLain, who will be going to Columbia International University, and Justin Henderson, who will be going to Converse College, will both be playing soccer at the next level.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
