Let’s celebrate college signings

Over the last couple of weeks, I had the chance to cover a few college letter of intent signings, and if you are a subscriber to the Brazil Times, I’m guessing you had the chance to read those stories.
I hadn’t been to one in quite some time.
In high school, I had numerous friends commit to Division I colleges and got to watch their dreams of becoming a collegiate athlete a reality.
But that was eight years ago.
So, when I was driving up to Northview, I was trying to recall what those were like inside the Terre Haute North library during my time as a Patriot.
I remembered it being a quick process and then seeing my friends be interviewed by the local press around the corner.
However, what I didn’t notice at the time was the people there supporting them and the emotions that came over them during that time.
After interviewing Lucas, and taking pictures of her signing her name on the dotted line, surrounded by her family, friends, teammates, and coaches, I went headed to write the story and get it online.
On my way out of the building, I recalled thinking ‘That was pretty cool.’ But what I thought was so neat didn’t have to do with the fact that she had officially become a Division I athlete (although that is quite the feat that should be talked about and celebrated by all).
No, it was the amount of people that came out to be a part of one of the biggest days of her life, and the happiness that came over all of them as she wrote out her name.
My awareness for that was heightened even more a few days later when I returned for Halle Ellis’ signing.
Ellis was signing to go to Lincoln Trail, a junior college.
It reminded me a lot of myself.
As you might recall, in my introductory column, I told you I committed to play baseball at an NAIA school called Purdue North Central.
I didn’t get a chance to have a signing day due to the time in which I made my decision.
But even if I did, those types of schools aren’t ones that go across the ticker on sports television channels.
However, on this Friday afternoon, you wouldn’t have ever known that.
Ellis, smiling the entire time, was surrounded by her family, friends (including Lucas, who donned a Lincoln Trail t-shirt), teammates (including Haley Richey, who stepped out of basketball practice for a few minutes to take it in) and coaches.
The joy all of those that took part in the signings on those afternoons was evident.
That’s why sports are the best. That’s what it’s all about.