On Friday, April 16, 24 seniors from Pope High School signed their Letter of Intent (LOI), committing to continue their scholastic and athletic careers at various colleges and universities. Nearly all 24 were present at the small gathering held at Pope's gymnasium and were being cheered on by friends and families.
"We are excited for them," said Pope Athletic Director Josh Mathews. "They have accomplished their dream of being able to continue their sport at the collegiate level. Today, we enjoyed celebrating how proud we are of these fine Pope Greyhounds."
Representing many different sports and heading off to many schools around the country, these student-athletes will be carrying what they've learned at Pope with them for years to come. Lily Harvey said her favorite memory of her Pope career was winning the state championship in 2018. Baseball player James Tibbs agreed. Football player Hudson Standfest recalled his favorite moment when he kicked the school-record 52-yard field goal.
Soccer player Matthew Hazenberg is headed off to Converse College because it fits him "academically and athletically." Football player Joe Stellmach chose the Air Force Academy for similar reasons. "I can get a first-class education and continue playing football," Stellmach said.
Zack Marinko will be taking his track and field skills to Auburn University because the campus feels like home. "My favorite Pope memory is the senior night basketball game," Markino said.
Bailey Chapin revealed she will be headed to nearby Georgia Tech, where she can "get a great education and still play softball at a really high level." Chapin's teammate Abby Rocco said she chose Emmanuel College because she really liked the coaches and the campus there.
Cross Country runner Rachel Dodsworth expressed similar reasons for her decision to attend Kennesaw State in the fall. "I like the team, and it's close to home," Dodsworth said. Teammate Sam Allison had different reasons for taking her long-distance running game to Columbus State. "I think I look really good in red and blue," she said to laughter.
"High school athletics is about community," concluded Josh Mathews, "but it's so great when we get to see many athletes, like these that we celebrated today, continue their athletic careers as they move into their college years. We wish them the best and look forward to following their collegiate careers."
Congratulations to all 24 Pope athletes who attended and signed for next-level learning and play. We have enjoyed watching you grow as athletes, as students, and as young adults. We look forward to what you will all achieve in the future.
