While National Signing Day is often focused on football, Athletic Director Mike Watson said Oxford and many other Athletic Departments use it as a day to celebrate any and all athletes who have signed a letter of intent.
And with that 10 more Wildcat Athletes made commitments to take their skills to the next level after giving their ‘John Hancocks? on Feb. 4.
‘It’s great to have 10 more athletes after having a few in the fall already,? Watson said, referring to Jessica Murphy (Wayne State University Basketball), Cherilyn Banas (Lawrence Technological University Basketball) and Noah Grove (University of Indianapolis Lacrosse).
The 10 signers included Marissa Biggie, Kayce Calcaterra, Peyton Colling, Anthony Gunn, Emmanuel Ibarra, Taylor Leppek, James Rogers, Lauren Spencer, Cheyne Stresky and Glacier Wallington.
Although Biggie competed in cheerleading at Oxford High School and may still cheer in college), it is in the sport of shooting that she extends her career to the next level. Jacksonville University, a NCAA Division II university in Jacksonville Florida offers intercollegiate shooting, competing in sporting clays, skeet and trap under founder and coach David Dobson’s leadership.
‘I received a very large academic scholarship and I loved the shooting coach,? Biggie said. ‘Plus, it’s in Florida.?
Watson said Biggie was a great example of the good things coming out of Oxford.
‘She’s an out-of-state student and obviously she’s a gifted student. They’re not giving her a full ride, just because she’s a kid from Michigan. They’re giving her a lot of money because she can shoot a shotgun really well and she is one of the state’s and nation’s best,? he added.
Calcaterra signed to play lacrosse at Capital University. The academic heritage, the size of the university and the chance to extend her lacrosse career is what helped her make the decision to attend Capital, which is located in Columbus, OH and a member of NCAA Division III.
As a standout in sideline and competitive cheerleading under Wildcats mentor Shari Russell, Colling decided to extend her cheer career at Grand Valley State University, as a member of the Lakers sideline squad. Colling will cheer on one of the most successful NCAA Division II programs in the country.
‘I’ve always wanted to go there,? she said. ‘They have a great cheer team with a good athletic and academic reputation for my career path.?
Gunn will travel to Saginaw Valley State University for football. The son of Michelle Gunn, Anthony is a transfer from Notre Dame Prep where he was an outstanding receiver and linebacker in addition to prowess as a pitcher in the spring for the Fighting Irish. A member of the GLIAC, The Cardinals will likely play Gunn at linebacker.
Gunn was not able to play football for the Wildcats this past fall due to transfer ineligibility, but is looking forward to hitting the diamond for Oxford this spring.
Ibarra will continue to kick it on the field at Tiffin University. The leading scorer on the Wildcats soccer team that reached the regional semifinals and captured an OAA championship, Ibarra was named all-state first team as a senior. The Tiffin Dragons look to employ Ibarra as a forward.
Leppek is going to play volleyball at Rochester College. As a consistent performer under the direction of Head Coach Kristi McDevitt, this Wildcat is also a student leader at OHS. Leppeck will join her sister, Lindsey, on the Warriors volleyball team. Leppeck is the daughter of Cindy and Randy Leppek.
A standout pitcher for the Wildcats, Rogers chose Jackson over other opportunities with schools like Ohio University, Dakota Tech, Chattanooga State and several others. A member of NJCAA Division II, Jackson College and head coach Rock Smith impressed James and his parents Jim and Ida.
The daughter of Sharon and George Spencer, Lauren received multiple offers in the recruiting process, but ultimately chose Hawaii Pacific not just for the tropical climate, but for the Sharks? soccer program and academic opportunities.
‘I selected HPU due to an amazing marine biology program and the leadership of the soccer program under Gina Brewer,? she added. ‘I know I will grow as a person on and off the field.?
The Bison of Bethany College signed one of the best swimmers in Wildcats history in Stresky. He considered other NCAA Division III colleges like Hope and Calvin before choosing Bethany.
Last but not least, Wallington is looking forward to his football career at Michigan Technological University.
‘All the kids there are intelligent in addition to being outstanding athletes,? he said. ‘It was a friendly atmosphere.?
The standout ironman quarterback and defensive back for the Wildcats proved to be one of the toughest players in program history during a stellar four-year varsity career.