Due to the inclement weather, the National Signing Day Ceremony was postponed until Thursday, Feb. 6, in the social studies commons. Nine athletes were awarded the opportunity to participate in the ceremony, including seven Division I athletes. This is the most athletes Parkway Central has had committed to represent them in college athletics since they began publicizing the ceremony at the school.
“Usually we have three or four athletes, possibly five on a good year,” Athletic Director Mr. Mike Roth said. “It is a huge deal to have that many athletes represented this year.”
The ceremony began with an introductory speech from Roth. He praised each athlete for their hard work toward reaching this goal and mentioned the significance of having so many athletes continue their sports careers at the collegiate level.
“As our coaches can attest, these remarkable student athletes have given so much joy and pleasure to so many here in the Parkway Central community,” Roth said. “They’ve always represented Parkway Central with dignity, class and a commitment to excellence.”
Following Roth’s speech, each coach for the nine athletes spoke on their player’s behalf. Most of the coaches spoke of the player’s contributions to their program throughout the past four seasons and their accomplishments in school history.
Senior Jessica Brady, a four-year girls varsity soccer starter who signed to Southeast Missouri State University, had Coach John Theobald speak about her contributions.
“She’s as fit and competitive as any kid we’ve ever coached,” Theobald said.
Committing to the College of Charleston, Zoë Wallis will be playing basketball at the collegiate level next season.
Senior Brady Feigl, a four-year varsity baseball starting pitcher who signed to the University of Mississippi, was praised by varsity pitching Coach Mike Feit.
Feigl has developed his mechanics as a pitcher to become the Colts’s ace over the past two years. Feigl verbally committed to Ole Miss during his junior year.
“Ole Miss was the first place where I loved the university and everything about it and I really liked the coaches,” Feigl said. “Everything kind of just fell into place.”
Senior Zach Rogers signed to the University of Missouri’s swim team. Rogers attended Parkway Central for only two years but was able to lead the team to a top four finish at State two consecutive seasons.
“I started talking to Mizzou at the end of last swim season and over the summer and had my official trip on my birthday in October,” Rogers said. “My dad lives in Kansas City, so being an hour and a half away from both my parents is perfect.”
Head varsity football Coach Mark Goldenberg spoke about five signees.
Senior Khalen Saunders signed to Western Illinois University, where he plans to both play football and to throw shot put for the Track and Field program.
“I didn’t really want to give up on football and didn’t want to end all my chances of taking it any further with football, so I decided to go to the Division I program that I could go to,” Saunders said. “Fortunately I get to throw shot put there too.”
Goldenberg also praised the accomplishments of seniors Jonathan Bonner, Trey Knes, Johnny Naughton and Augie Brooks.