from left, back row, Dylan Helms, James Hyland, Jordan Herman, Cole Rasmussen, and Zach Terry. Front row, from left, Sinjin Shivers, AJ Jaworowski, Shelbey Fuller and Grayson Woodard.
FORT MILL – Each year National Signing Day brings a chance for family and friends to support local athletes and this year was no different.
Fort Mill, Nation Ford and Indian Land each had signing ceremonies with nearly 20 athletes between the three schools making commitments.
Fort Mill
Fort Mill had the most of the three schools with nine signees, four of them football players to go with two soccer players, a lacrosse player, a baseball player and a swimmer. The Yellow Jacket athletes were: Dylan Helms – Pikeville University (football), Jordan Herman – Hutchinson Community College (football), James Hyland – Presbyterian College (football), Cole Rasmussen – Charleston Southern University (football), AJ Jaworowski – Belmont-Abbey College (baseball), Zach Terry – Queens University (lacrosse), Grayson Woodard – Winthrop University (soccer), Sinjin Shivers – Coker University (soccer) and Shelbey Fuller – Davis and Elkins College (swimming).
“This is one of the coolest events that we have,” said Fort Mill High Principal Gales Scroggs. “This event as grown so much that it is standing room only and we may have to move it to a larger venue next time. This is an opportunity to shine the light on all their hard work and it is a reflection on their families’ dedication. This is the start of something new and exciting for them.”
Fort Mill head football coach Rob McNeely said more of his players will probably sign at a later date, but is happy for those who was able to commit to a school on National Signing Day.
“We have got some guys still to be determined, but I couldn’t be more proud of those four guys,” he said.
Indian Land
Indian Land also had a its share of signees with six athletes, including two football players. AJ Jefferson, who had verbally committed to play football at West Point, switched his commitment months back and signed with the Air Force Academy. Jefferson was one of the more highly sought-after football players from Lancaster County, as he was an All-Region pick from this past season after posting six interceptions to go with 41 total tackles, 32 solo tackles and 12 pass break-ups. He also played in the North-South All-Star football game in Myrtle Beach and made the state Football Coaches Association All-State team in 3A as a defensive back.
“Air Force game me the best opportunity to pursue my dream and play in the NFL,” he said. “It will be really exciting to play for them.”
Jefferson was an All-Region player as a junior and had seven interceptions his junior season.
“AJ came to us as a freshman and he started every game since his freshman season,” said outgoing Warriors’ football coach H.B. Blades. “He is a high character guy.”
Along with Jefferson, teammate Donavan Manson committed to play at Coastal Carolina University. Other signees for the Warriors were: Weston Nguyen – Limestone College (wrestling), Kyle Raynor – Limestone College (baseball), Destin Clark – Wingate University (basketball) and Gavin Dunlop – Coker University (soccer).
Nation Ford
At Nation Ford only three athletes signed, but it was just as exciting for them and the school. Two of the athletes, Zach Skidmore and Chloe Johnson will be attending Pfeiffer University. Skidmore will be playing lacrosse, while Johnson will be playing soccer.
For Skidmore, the school isn’t unfamiliar to his family.
“My brother and sister both went there,” he said. “I felt really comfortable there and it was a good fit for me.”
The midfielder was also recruited by Queens, Lees-McRae, Barry College, Limestone and Belmont-Abbey. Skidmore plans on majoring in business and law.
“I am glad it is out of the way now,” he said. “I wanted to sign before now.”
Johnson was also familiar with Pfeiffer, but picked the school over Anderson University.
“I choose Pfeiffer because the coach was a really big influence on me and they have a really good nursing program and I want to be a nurse,” she said.
Johnson said she was glad to get signing out of the way before her senior season.
“I am looking forward to embracing the season and learning new skills before next year,” she said.
Nation Ford’s Jasmine Hope also signed and will be heading north to Bryant University to participate in their track and field program. Bryant is located in Rhode Island.
“I went there on my official visit and I fell in love with the community,” she said. “I really loved the atmosphere.”
Hope will be competing in short sprints and long jump for Bryant’s track program. She plans on majoring in communications and broadcast. She was also looking at attending UNC-Wilmington, East Tennessee, Hartford and Radford.
Mac Banks: mbanks@comporium.net, @MacBanksFM
