This was the largest group from our school ever to sign National Letters of Intent at the same time!  Back in 2018, they were all football players, but this group represented six different sports, illustrating the depth of our athletic program.  Families, classmates and teachers were invited to enjoy the ceremony (and cupcakes!) in the Moe Kent Family Fieldhouse.  Col. Weiss, as our Master of Ceremonies, thanked the parents and extended families, knowing how much time and sacrifice it takes to support their child’s achievements.  He also thanked the coaches, without whom this would not be possible, and the teachers, for their flexibility in allowing their students the time they needed to compete.  Before introducing each coach to speak for their player, he also wanted to personally congratulate all the student-athletes for representing CSN so well at the local, district, regional and state levels.   

Head Football Coach Paul Selvidio stepped to the podium, first to congratulate all seven student-athletes, saying “It’s hard enough to be a successful student at CSN, but these seven have been able to combine that achievement with hard work and success on the field, court or track.”  He then spoke about Jacob Baer, who would be signing to play football at NCAA Division III Carnegie Mellon.  “A four-year player and a starter since he was a freshman, he played practically every position on the field…Off the field, Jacob is a brilliant and highly-decorated student…He’s respectful, diligent and studious, but when he puts on the helmet he transforms into the ultimate warrior.”

Head Baseball Coach Chad Ott then rose to congratulate Tommy Buckley as he signed with NAIA Division I University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis for their inaugural season.  “In his junior season his speed and steady glove proved a reliable combination in left field…Tommy was also important at the plate, where his never-say-die approach resulted in chewing up opponent pitching.”

Head Volleyball Coach Alicia MacIntyre spoke about Laela Jimenez as “one of the most naturally talented volleyball players I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching.  But even more than that, she is one of the hardest working, selfless people I’ve ever met… Her work ethic in combination with her team-first attitude has made her one of the most valuable players to have on and off the court.”  Laela will be playing for D-II Mars Hill University in North Carolina.

Director of Lacrosse Operations Keith Lee represented the other lacrosse coaches when he said, “Tough, agile, tenacious and fearless are the words I think of when I hear Yates Miller’s name.  Yates is always the player we can count on to make the tough plays or to carry the team on his back.”  Yates will be playing for NCAA D-II North Greenville University in South Carolina. 

Varsity Pole Vault Coach Ceil Beagle spoke next, saying “From day one, Nick Molloy has demonstrated not only outstanding natural athletic ability, but also that exceptional drive that pushes elite athletes to become the best of the best. As a freshman, Nick was district champion and then at the state meet placed 12^th… Junior year Nick earned a new school record with a clearance of 15 feet 5 inches, and won the State 1A Champion title.”  Nick was one of a handful of CSN seniors to achieve National Merit Commendable Scholar, and next year he will be a NCAA D-I Princeton Tiger.

Head Varsity Cross Country Coach Kasye Beza spoke on behalf of Victoria Rankin, who will be playing lacrosse at D-1 San Diego State but joined the CSN cross country team this year.  “By October, Victoria was running 24, 23, and eventually her PR of 22:09 at Regionals for a 36^th place individual finish and an impressive 4^th place team finish—enough to qualify the entire team to the State Championships for the first time in six years.”

Coach Selvidio stood once again, this time to praise Matthew Wiley, who will be playing football for D-III Denison University in Ohio.  Coach began, “Five years ago as a middle schooler I knew Matthew was going to be a good football player.  He was athletic, physical, fiery, and tough as a 125-pount 13-year-old boy…I didn’t know he would be great until he came back to CSN as a nearly 200-pound senior…He proved to be an outstanding young man on and off the field.”

Each of these student-athlete signed their Letters of Intent after being introduced, and then approached the mic to offer heartfelt thanks to their families, friends, coaches and teachers, grateful for all their support over the years.  Congratulations, and GO SEAHAWKS!