DeMatha Signing Day Recap

On Wednesday February 4th, friends, family members, and news reporters gathered in the Brendan Looney Convocation Center for a very special day at DeMatha, signing day.

For four years, the players worked hard on and off the field. There have been times where they had to give up some things because they had to practice or spend extra time studying. But all that hard work and dedication has finally played off as they have officially signed to a school of their choice so they can play a sport they love.

Signing Day of 2015 featured thirteen DeMatha athletes, three soccer players and ten football players. For each and every player, this moment was something they have looked for years. “I waited for this moment since I was little,” DeMatha senior football player DeAndre Kelly (Temple) said. The senior tight end also said, “I’m just so happy for me and my teammates. It’s a dream come true.”

DeMatha football player Jaire George said, “It’s a dream come true. I waited a long time to get here.”

The players had to deal with a long and stressful recruiting process but in the end they were able to find a school that fit them and that will benefit them down the road. “I love the school. The team was very welcoming and I felt like I was a part of the team,” DeMatha soccer senior goalie Keegan Meyer said as he talked about his signing to High Point University. He also commented, “The recruiting process was very stressful. Junior year was very hard for me because I was trying to impress soccer coaches.”

DeMatha football player Jason Rogers (Lake Erie College) said, “The people around the school, the coaches, and the campus life were a reason for my decision. They made me feel like home.”

Family plays a huge role in a player’s decision especially for senior football player, Julius Combes who will be walking on to North Texas in the fall. Julius turned down a numerous offers and decided to stay close to his family and go to North Texas.

Signing Day was a not only a special day for the players but the coaches too. To see the guys they have coached for years sign to their school was a great feeling. “These guys worked hard for four years and to have an opportunity to move on to the next level is a great feeling as a coach,” DeMatha football head coach Elijah Brooks said.

DeMatha has sent many athletes to college and they have done well. They have prepared them for the transition to college and they have prepared them for the future. “DeMatha prepared me for everything,” Jason Rogers said. “School, football, and they help me transition to the next level,” Rogers also stated.

“DeMatha has helped me with my work ethic,” DeAndre Kelly said. “They always told me to work hard.”

The athletes that signed on National Signing Day had taken a big step in their lives but it is only the beginning to their future.