Athletics are popular all around the world and especially at Lewis Cass High School. Every other student walking around the hallways seems to participate in at least one sport. Athletics can teach life skills and lessons such as teamwork, communication, determination, leadership, and more. So, it is no shock many students want to participate in collegiate athletics as well. Many students take part in sports during high school, but only a handful continue their athletic careers after high school.

     There are many reasons athletes do or do not continue their athletic careers after high school. Reasons such as scholarships, greater opportunities, and simply love for the sport could be reasons why athletes hope to continue their careers. On the flipside, many students choose not to continue playing because they want to focus on their post-high school education, get a job, or may just want to retire from athletics.

     Personally, as a three-sport athlete, athletics have always held a special place in my heart. I am one of the few senior athletes at Cass this year who will continue my athletic career after high school. Last month, I signed with the Jaguars of Indiana University, Indianapolis. At IU Indy, I will be running cross country and track. This was a decision I have always wanted to make since I started running in middle school. 

Brody Hillis – Franklin College 

     First on the list of senior athletes playing in college is Brody Hillis. Brody Hillis was a great two-sport athlete who will continue playing golf next year at Franklin College, located in Franklin, Indiana. When asked why he chose Franklin for golf, he responded, “I chose to play at Franklin because they have a promising program with knowledgeable coaches and excellent facilities for their school size.” Franklin College has a student population of about 1,000 students, so a rather small school feel, so Brody will attend a small school environment similar to Cass. When asked what Hillis is most excited about in college golf, he answered, “I’m mainly excited about becoming an overall better golfer and being able to compete with people at a higher level.” Men’s golf at Franklin is very strong, so Brody is sure to improve. Go Grizzlies! 

Amma Fitzhugh – Oakland City University

     Second on the list is a standout softball player, Amma Fitzhugh. Amma will be continuing her softball career at Oakland City University, where she will be a Mighty Oak. When asked why she chose OCU, Fitzhugh stated, “I prioritized finding a school with a strong academic program that also places Christ at the center of its mission. For me, it was Christian college or bust. I am super excited about the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with others who share the same core values and beliefs as I do!” When she puts it like that, the three-hour drive does not sound too bad. Next, we asked what Fitzhugh is looking forward to next year, and she said, “ I am excited to join a team of student athletes who are committed to expressing and living out their faith in Jesus both on and off the softball field. I look forward to contributing to Oakland City University’s Mighty Oaks softball team. I can’t wait to be a part of their successful program that achieved the best record in its conference this season and earned a spot in the NAIA National Tournament. I am truly grateful for this outstanding opportunity. I love the small college environment and the successful program Coach Ward has built!” Good luck to Amma in her future at Oakland City University!

Michael Myers – Hanover College

     Third on the list is another golfer, Michael Myers. Michael has always been a phenomenal golfer from a young age, so it was no shock that he would be continuing his golfing career as a Panther of Hanover College, located in Hanover, Indiana. Hanover College is a Private college nearly three hours away from Walton. When asked why he chose Hanover, Myers responded with, “Hanover had always been at the top of my list during my collegiate golf search. Coach Acosta was one of the first coaches to reach out to me the winter before my sophomore year, and I was able to tour the campus and connect with the program soon after, and I loved every part of it. While I had conversations with other DII and NAIA programs, I always believed that Hanover’s campus, academics, and atmosphere would be worth more than the athletic money those programs offered. I am very excited to continue my academic and athletic career with the Panthers! Myers is sure to crush the competition next year at Hanover. 

Furthermore, we asked Michael if he always knew he wanted to play golf in college, and he stated, “Like many young athletes, I always had a dream of playing collegiate sports, but golf was more of a recent pursuit of mine. Ultimately, I decided to continue with my golf career and start training and traveling to events across the Midwest.” Michael is sure to shine next year at Hanover. 

Gavin Smith – Hanover College

     Fourth on the list is football phenom Gavin Smith, a standout running back who will be continuing his career at Hanover College as well. This year, Smith became the All-Time Single Game Rushing Leader with 307 yards and five rushing touchdowns. Way to go, Gavin! When asked how Smith believes high school football will differ from college football, he said, “I think college football will differ from high school football by the community and action on the field. In high school football, you play two ways, but in college, you will be in your own specialized position group.” Many athletes go in believing they will play the same position as they did in high school, but this is not always the case. Many athletes are on the fence about continuing their athletic careers in college. When Smith was asked for some advice he would give to a student athlete considering playing in college, he responded with, “I would suggest being open-minded about the opportunities set in front of you. I think it is important to pursue what you love, and if college athletics interests you, you pursue it.” If someone truly loves their sport, I would strongly consider it. It is wise to go on college visits and check out the facilities, meet the coaches and athletes, and ask questions about the athletic program one is interested in. 

Alisha Toops – Oakland City University

     Last on the list is Alisha Toops, who will continue her golfing career at Oakland City University, the same as Amma Fitzhugh. Toops had an outstanding season last fall, tying the 9-hole school record. When asked why she chose OCU to continue her golf career, Toops answered, “I knew I wanted a small school with a good team dynamic.” OCU seems to be just that, and a good fit for both her and Fitzhugh. Alisha is sure to fit right in at OCU. 

     Including me, these are the six athletes who are 100% committed to playing their sport or sports in college next year. We have all put in much time and hard work over many years to be playing at the next level, and I think I speak for them as well when I say we are all so excited to be playing at the collegiate level! Best of luck next year to our senior athletes!