The annual ritual of National Signing Day was observed once again with all it’s fanfare at our local high schools in our area.  In Mint Hill both Independence and Rocky River have their events on the first Wednesday in February which is a tradition around the nation.  This date is the first day a high school senior may sign a binding National Letter of Intent (NLI) to obtain an athletic scholarship to a college or university who is a member of the United States National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to participate and compete at the collegiate level.

At Independence their were five athletes who have had excellent high school careers and stood out above others to earn their scholarships to various colleges and universities.  This year football was the primary sport that stands out for the Patriots.  Linebacker Ty Clawson and teammate Dalton Eller both signed with Catawba College.  Kaleb Baker the defensive lineman signed with UNC-Pembroke and Jacob Lee will be attending Brevard College.  Matthew Mangum signed with Glenville State College in West Virginia for baseball coming off his junior season.

At Rocky River six football players made commitments to three different college programs.  Ali “AJ” Davis will be attending Western Carolina University, Kentrelle Groom will attend and play for  Hampton College, James Battle, Devon Beckford, Abrion Pearson and Jailyn Wilson will all be attending Louisburg College this autumn.

All these young athletes have stood out among their peers, all are deserving of receiving the opportunity to compete at the college level due to their athletic ability, hard work and accomplishments on the field and in academics.  The signing’s are certainly an achievement these individual athletes, their families, friends and local community should all celebrate.

The Mint Hill Times staff, photographer Ron Morris and sports writers certainly wish these student athletes much success at the college level and in all future endeavors in life’s awesome journey.