Heights High athletes commit to play at colleges and universities

Heights High athletes signed letters of intent Feb. 6. Back row, L-R: De'Niro Laster, Kyle Allamby, Dorien Hudson, Marcus McShepherd; Front row, L-R: Kyra Schoonover, Bobby Upshaw, Anthony Simmons, Shelton Gibson.

Seven Cleveland Heights High School football players and one lacrosse player signed letters of intent on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Kristin Hughes, athletic director, presided over the event, telling the audience of students, alumni, family and media, “It takes a village to sign a letter of intent.” Many people helped these players get to this day.

Feb. 6 is National Signing Day in college football, the first day that Class of 2012 high school recruits can sign binding letters of intent with college programs.

The following students signed letters of intent:

• Kyra Schoonover, lacrosse, Marquette University
• Kyle Allamby, football, Glenville State College (W.Va.)
• Shelton Gibson, football, West Virginia University
• Dorien Hudson, football, Notre Dame College
• De’Niro Laster, football, University of Minnesota
• Marcus McShepherd, football, Northwestern University
• Anthony Simmons, football, Morehouse College
• Bobby Upshaw, football, West Liberty University (W.Va.)

Both Terry Saylor, girls lacrosse head coach, and Jeff Rotsky, football coach, introduced their athletes.

Saylor recalled the lacrosse team’s final four appearance last season and talked about Kyra Schoonover’s dedication to her team, the sport and her 4.1 GPA. “I am so excited to be playing at a Division I school,” said Schoonover. “I really appreciate this opportunity.”

Rotsky introduced each of the seven football players and spoke about their unique qualities as players, students and young men. “I thank God for each of these remarkable players,” he said. “They have made amazing contributions to our team.”

The players spoke briefly and recognized God, their families, coaches, teachers and teammates.

Rotsky addressed the players directly at the end of the ceremony. “You are not going away to college to play football,” he said. “You are being sent. There is a difference. We send you with an obligation to return and share your experience with the players coming behind you.” He reminded the players of the many alumni who have helped them, and invited the players to join that tradition.

Hughes echoed that sentiment in closing the event. “You will always be part of Tiger Nation,” she said. “And we will always expect the best from you, and we will always be behind you.”