Feb 05, 2012
National Signing Day
February 9, 2010
Area student-athletes sign letters-of-intent
College coaches all across America circle the first Wednesday of February as the most important date of the new year because that is the time that high school student-athletes sign their letters-of-intent. It is like a delayed present arriving after Christmas.
Coaches wait by the fax machines at their respective schools ready to receive the official document that a particular athlete has kept their non-binding verbal commitment made prior to the official signing date which was Wednesday, February 3. When the document is received, it allows the coaches to breathe a little easier knowing that all of their recruiting efforts paid off in building a future for their athletic program.
It is also a time of relief for student-athletes who have gone through the rigorous recruiting process and hearing the pitch of various recruiters regarding their particular educational and athletic programs. Now that the papers have been signed and delivered, student-athletes can focus on the rest of their senior year - to concentrate on their studies and spring sports before it will be time to head to their respective colleges to begin their educational and athletic careers at the collegiate level. It certainly is a dream come true for all.
Dawson Eagles celebrate first signings
Last week proved to be a monumental celebration at Dawson High School as head coach Eric Wells saw seven of his first senior class sign their letters-of-intent to continue their education and playing careers at the next level.
"I am thrilled," Wells said following the signing ceremony. "I was worried no one would show up to support these kids."
Not only did people show up - it was standing room only as several media outlets were present to witness the seven seniors who made their gridiron commitments before coaches, faculty, friends, classmates, and family members.
"This is a result of a lot of hard work by our coaching staff and players," Wells continued. "This sets a positive foundation for our future."
Those signing for Dawson included: Xavier Brown (UH), Darian Lazard (UH), Aaron Davis (Navy), Jordan Rose (Southern University), Jonathan Preston (Southern University), Micah Tillotson (Texas Southern), David Farris - (SMU).
These were some of outstanding players that were instrumental in leading Dawson to a first-ever Class 4A Division I Region III championship and advancing to a first-ever appearance in the 4A Division I state semifinals to finish with a school-record 12-3 season.
Pearland Oilers have two signings
Prior to the arrival of head coach Tony Heath in 1997, football signings were far and few between. The players who did move on to the next level had outstanding collegiate careers, but there would always be several years between signings.
Now, Pearland is a hot-bed for college recruiters and this year was no different as two players put their names on the dotted line and will move on to the next level at outstanding educational institutions. The two players mark the 71st and 72nd players who have signed letters-of-intent during Heath's tenure.
Ian Gray (6-8, 330) will move on to play for the Rice Owls while Jeffrey Phillips signed with Texas A&M at Kingsville.
The Oilers were a young team in 2009 yet finished with an 8-3 record and shared the District 22-5A championship.
Eight sign at Friendswood HS
The Friendswood Mustangs had a mixture of signings on national signing day. There were eight student-athletes who signed letters-in-intent including: Turner Goodwin (Baseball-Kings Point USMMA Academy), Brandon Hollier (Baseball - Galveston JC), Kyle Singleton (Baseball - McLennan JC), Jordan Gibbs (Baseball - Sam Houston State), Byron Randle (Basketball - Sam Houston State), Chandler Sager (Soccer - St. Edwards University), Curtis Wells (Soccer - Northeastern State University), and Annalisa Hall (Soccer - University of Oklahoma).