On November 15, some of the athletic leaders of the Mount Carmel community solidified their futures by signing to play at the collegiate stage.  The nine senior signees were athletes from four different sports, with their future athletic programs ranging from Division I to the Division III level.

The program began with athletic director Dan LaCount introducing himself and congratulating the student-athletes for all of their hard work and dedication.  He then introduced Ned Hughes, Mount Carmel’s president.  Like LaCount, Hughes congratulated the athletes and their families.  He went on to express his appreciation to the student-athletes for “what they have achieved…athletically and academically.” Principal John Stimler spoke next, emphasizing the importance of the “tools” the student-athletes have acquired at MC, and how those tools can “carry (the signees) through life.”

Out of the nine signees, a Mount Carmel record four were lacrosse players.  Nik Kubik signed to play at Maryville University in St. Louis, Ben Stabaus to Hope College, Anthony Cresto to Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Ben Hynek to St. Leo’s College.  Coach Matt McGuire shared a few words about his players, noting that Hynek, Cresto, Kubik, and Stabus are “such great examples to the younger players” and that he is “excited for what the future holds (upcoming season).”

Three baseball players, Bobby Seymour (Wake Forest University), Zion Pettigrew (University of Iowa) and PJ Maloney (Milikin University), also signed letters of intent.  With the three standouts heading to play college ball next spring, they attested to the leadership and responsibility Coach Brian Hurry instilled in them, with Seymour noting, “He’s always been one text and one phone call away.  He’s made me into more of a man to this day.”

Jack Mulay and Yahya Thomas were the two wrestling signees, with Mulay signing with Bucknell University and Thomas with Northwestern University.  After placing their signatures, coach Alex Tsirtsis reminded them to “take advantage of the (college experience) and always recognize what’s right and what’s wrong.”

From a parent’s perspective, Mr. Thomas, father of Yahya, was very emotional about the day, calling it a “culmination of everything (Yahya) has done (with wrestling).”