4 SPORTS CAMP LOCATIONS MAY 26 - AUGUST 7 we teach the skills and FUNdamentals of basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming, archery, volleyball & fi eld sports all in one camp! 1 week sessions · Full & Half day · Extended Care · Ages 4½ -13 HUBBARDSPORTS.COM 602.971.4044 REGISTER TODAY Keep your kids learning & active this summer! Page 54 June 2015 By Nicholas Smith Twelve student athletes were honored at Arcadia High School during a Signing Day ceremony on Friday, May 1. The students, who signed with their future schools in front of friends and family, will attend universities in seven different states. “It’s a great opportunity to send the kids off in a cool way,” said Nathan Slater, principal at Arcadia High School. “You don’t always get to send kids off to do what they want to do and have their educations paid for. They’ve worked very hard to get to this point.” Three football players were honored at the event. The stars of the gridiron were Jake Sheedy, attending Chapman University in California, Eddie Rodriguez, playing at Santa Barbara City College in California and Henry Vetter, who will play at Dennison University in Ohio. “I applied to different schools and told them I was interested in football,” said Vetter, when asked about the recruiting process. “I made some highlight videos and the coaches would watch my film. Overall it was a cool experience.” Other athletes honored included Abigail Diazcaneda, attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst for rowing. The four basketball players signing were Jalicia Williams, going to Casper College in Wyoming, Avonte Nelms, heading to Phoenix College, Connor Nichols, going north to Colorado Mesa University, and Andrea Goulette, who will head for Williston State University in North Dakota. “The process was honestly difficult at times,” said Goulette. “Colleges will seem interested and all of a sudden they’ll stop talking to you. You have to really take it seriously, work hard and get good grades.” Williston State is a community college, something that Goulette views as a big positive in her basketball journey. “I feel like people sometimes view community college as a step down,” said Goulette. “But I think it’s perfect for me. I’ll get two years of practice in college, to work on my game without the pressure of being on TV. And after that I can always transfer to a Division I or II school. They’re paying for my school, books, basketball stuff and food. When I heard the food part, that really got me going.” Wrapping up the list of athletes were four baseball players. Max Woods will attend Occidental College in California. An interesting note is that the remaining three athletes will all play at the same school. Cole Norris, Brian Cunningham and Tony Sarno will head down the road to play ball at Gateway Community College. “Their coach comes out and checks out a lot of our games,” noted Sarno. “Playing with my teammates is a big part of why I chose it.” The event had a bittersweet feeling to it, as the athletes celebrated the upcoming new chapter of their life, while turning the page on an old one. After a short speech by Slater, the athletes signed their names and officially began their journey toward their new schools. “I loved everybody here at Arcadia,” reflected Goulette. “It’s a great school. The teachers and coaches are all great and really care about you. Knowing people care about you is the most important thing.” Signing Day honors football, baseball, basketball and more Student athletes wait for their moment to shine as they sign their college commitment. PHOTO BY NICHOLAS SMITH