In the first official signing day of the year, the Catawba Ridge Copperheads had 10 athletes sign letters of intent to play college sports.
The signing was held Wednesday afternoon at The Arena and featured three baseball players, two cross country and track runners and athletes in swimming, softball, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey.
“We are putting great kids out there,” said Catawba Ridge athletic director Rick Lewis. “You set the standard. We are very proud.”
The three baseball players signing were Trevor Testerman, Greyson Wild and Harrison Wilson. Testerman is going to Newberry College and Wild is going to Spartanburg Methodist, while Wilson is heading to Winthrop University.
Copperheads’ head baseball coach Stas Swerdzewski said that because of the pandemic, these three had to work extra hard to earn their way to a scholarship because of the limitations caused by losing a season and having other types of restrictions.
“That put a lot on these kids to have to work hard on their own,” he said. “These three went above and beyond.”
The two cross-country and track runners were Sam Rich and Joshua Silverman. Rich is going to the University of Notre Dame and Silverman is going to the College of Charleston. Both of them will be looking to lead Catawba Ridge to a state title Thursday in the 4A state cross country championship.
“They have defined our program,” said track and cross-country head coach David Helms. “They have created a culture here.”
Janelle Ilacqua signed to play softball at the University of Michigan. A shortstop, she is ranked as the 32nd best softball player in the country currently and has hit over .500 every season she has been playing softball at the high school level.
“Janelle knew what she wanted to do and where she wanted to do it,” said Catawba Ridge softball coach Michael Kidd. “I knew this kid was going to be special. I am really proud of her.”
Tyler Weiss was the lone lacrosse player signing with Lander University. Weiss has played lacrosse since fifth grade and played at Nation Ford before coming to Catawba Ridge.
“He is a student of the game,” said Catawba Ridge head coach Mike Gambrill. “He leads by example. He brings a lunch pail work ethic with him.”
As a goalie, Shyann Holt helped to lead the Copperheads to the 4A state finals last year and had 13 shutouts in goal. She will be heading to USC Lancaster to play next year. Catawba Ridge girls’ head soccer coach Brandon Schmidt said Holt’s hard work makes her standout.
“Shy will be successful in anything she does,” he said.
Kaylee Marino will be swimming at Columbia College and is the first swimmer to sign out of the program. She helped to lead Catawba Ridge to a region title this past year.
“She has shown a lot of perseverance personally,” said head swimming coach Olivia May. “She has been a leader.”
Madison Burtner signed to play field hockey with Wingate University and had to get recognized for her skills outside of school. Carolina Curse field hockey academy director Janell Davis described Burtner as a hard worker.
“She is a true trailblazer,” Davis said. “She is part of history here. Madison is unique because there is no field hockey at Catawba Ridge.”
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
