News Summary
Midland Legacy celebrated National Signing Day with ten talented athletes committing to colleges. Highlighted athletes include football players Aiden Serrano and Terry Ojopagogo signing with UTPB, as well as star baseball and softball players securing spots at local colleges. The event showcased the hard work and dedication of these young athletes as they take a monumental step toward their athletic futures.
Midland Celebrates National Signing Day with Rising Stars
What a fantastic day it was for the city of Midland! The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as ten talented athletes from Midland Legacy were celebrated during the National Signing Day ceremony held at the impressive John Edd Parchman Fieldhouse. These young sports stars are not just showcasing their athletic prowess; they are taking monumental steps toward their future as college athletes.
Football Stars Shine Bright
Let’s kick things off with the football field, where two standout players made their commitments official by signing with the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB). Aiden Serrano, known for his outstanding performance, is the career leader in receptions at Legacy with an astonishing 183 catches. He also ranks second in career receiving yards, boasting a remarkable 2,961 yards. Aiden chose UTPB not just for its athletic program but for the chance to grow both as a player and a person, especially thanks to the encouraging communication from the coaching staff.
Joining Aiden at UTPB is Terry Ojopagogo, who has made quite the name for himself as the District 2-6A Defensive Lineman of the Year. For Ojopagogo, football isn’t just a sport; it’s a life-changer that has had a positive influence on him. With a future as bright as his, he’s eager to take his skills to the next level.
Offensive Skills on Display
Peyton Arthur will also be hitting the turf, signing with Angelo State University. As the District 2-6A co-Offensive Lineman of the Year, Peyton dominated with an impressive grade of 98% and racked up 26 pancakes as the center. What a feat to carry on while joining a team that recently celebrated a championship season!
Baseball Bound with Big Hopes
Switching gears to the baseball diamond, Caiden Olivas and Cole Neatherlin are heading to Midland College. Neatherlin, who earned the title of District 2-6A Defensive Player of the Year, had a spectacular end to the season, finishing with a fantastic .476 batting average and hitting four home runs in the crucial last games. Olivas also made headlines with his impressive batting skills, securing all-district honors as a junior and catching the eye of UTPB’s recruitment team.
Softball and Soccer Stars
Meanwhile, in the world of softball, Aliyah Valdez has signed on with the University of Dallas for NCAA Division III softball. Valdez was a force to be reckoned with, recognized as the District 2-6A Defensive Player of the Year and showcasing a stellar performance with five home runs and a remarkable .591 slugging percentage.
Another exceptional athlete from the softball ranks is Taylor Martinez, who will be attending Mid-American Christian University. Martinez achieved All-District 2-6A first team honors with an impressive batting average of .426 and six home runs, showing she has what it takes to shine at the next level.
On the soccer field, Mackenzie Buchanan has signed with Paris Junior College. As a dynamic player with experience, she plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice while continuing to demonstrate her skills on the pitch.
A Turbulent Journey Yet Worthwhile
Lastly, we celebrate Alexa Luna and Illiana Bowden, who are gearing up for a different kind of journey as they continue their studies in athletic training at Midland College. Their path may not involve competition on the field, but their commitment to the sports community is just as crucial.
As the dust settles on this momentous day, Midland is buzzing with pride for its young athletes ready to take their talents from the local fields to colleges across the country. Roadblocks may appear in their journeys, but the dedication and hard work shown by these students will surely guide them toward soaring success.
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Additional Resources
- MRT: Midland Legacy Celebrates Eight Athletes Inking
- Wikipedia: National Signing Day
- The State: High School Sports Signing Day
- Google Search: High School Athletes Signing Day
- MRT: Midland High Celebrates Five Athletes Signing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Athletics
- Your Basin: National Signing Day Coverage
- Google News: National Signing Day
