After some rearranging, three West Seniors finally got a signing ceremony on March 27.
Jordan Arcuri, Josie Patterson, and Delaney Richardson all finalized their choice to play soccer after high school.
“It’s great for the kids to finally decide” said Monte Seabaugh, the Activities and Athletics Secretary at West.
Patterson, who signed to Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., said “It felt like a whole weight was lifted off my shoulders.”
Seabaugh said the ceremony doesn’t show the entire process; it’s a declaration. “There is much more paperwork to fill out.”
Baker University recruited Arcuri at one of his games, he said. “From there, they invited me for a visit to talk to the head coach.” After his visit and meeting the team, Arcuri said he waited about a week before agreeing to attend the school in Baldwin City, Kan. next fall.
“The signing day was nice; you’re literally signing away your college to play a sport,” said Arcuri.
Many athletes debate on whether or not college athletics is right for them. “It’s a lot of commitment. You pretty much have no free time; six days out of the week you’re busy,” said Arcuri.
“I’ve always been pursuing my goal to play in college,” said Patterson, “it’s something I grew up wanting to do. I never played varsity soccer for the school but I still got a scholarship to play soccer in college,” said Patterson.
The three athletes, including Richardson who signed at Hastings College in Hastings, Neb., were surrounded by family and friends. “There was a great support group of students,” said Seabaugh.
Christine Betts
