During national letter-of-intent day last week, students pledged their commitments to the schools they plan to attend.
Among the athletes who signed was Canyon Del Oro High School’s running back Ka’Deem Carey, who is planning to attend the University of Arizona and play football alongside CDO alumni Josh Robbins and Jared Tevis and Ironwood Ridge alumnus Jake Fischer.
Athletes at Ironwood Ridge High School also signed last Wednesday. Trevor Wesley will go on to play football for South Dakota State, while Tanner Todd and Austin Ballard have signed on for the Fort Lewis College football team in Durango, Colo. Lauren Cooper will run cross country and track for McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La., Meghan Finley has signed on with the Texas Wesleyan University volleyball team in Fort Worth, and Michaela Christiaansen will play volleyball at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. Wrestler Walker Slaughter has signed with Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo.
During each of the ceremonies, the students explained why they decided on their school of choice.
Carey is looking forward to being a Wildcat, but his decision wasn’t an easy one. CDO’s head football coach Dustin Peace aided Carey in choosing UofA, a decision based on the relationships Carey has built and the ability to stay in town with friends and family.
At Ironwood Ridge, Slaughter said he selected Lindenwood with an open mind. After meeting with the coaches and other students, the school seemed even better. Finley is looking forward to attending a small school and benefiting from its athletic-training program.
Christiaansen loves her school’s academics while Cooper found she was happiest at her school with the great coach and the southern hospitality.
Wesley liked the coaches and felt he will fit in well at his school of choice. Ballard preferred the location of his small town school, which offers an excellent curriculum. Todd is very familiar with the school’s campus because he visits the area on almost an annual basis.
