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(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Lillian Noble signs to play volleyball for Oklahoma Baptist University during a Graham High School athletes signing ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Ryder Taylor signs to play baseball for Seminole State College in Oklahoma during a Graham High School athletes signing ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Ty Thompson signs to play football for Hardin-Simmons University during a Graham High School athletes signing ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Ozzy Trejo signs to play football for West Texas A&M University during a Graham High School athletes signing ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Pavlo Prenushi signs to play football for East Central Texas University during a Graham High School athletes signing ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Brycen Rogers signs to play football for Hardin-Simmons University during a Graham High School athletes signing ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Harison Brockway signs to play football for Hardin-Simmons University during a Graham High School athletes signing ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Bruin Wright signs to play football for Hardin-Simmons University during a Graham High School athletes signing ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Eight Graham High School student athletes were honored this week as they signed their intent to play sports for colleges and move on to the next step in their lives.
GHS held the signing day ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5 and family, friends, students and the community came out in support of the athletes.
It was a time for celebration with family members crowding the tables decorated for each athlete and their accomplishments.
Athletic Director Clay McChristian opened the event and explained why it was important to recognize the students.
“This isn’t a day that is just about the athletes, we’re celebrating everybody,” he said. “We’re celebrating this school, we’re celebrating teachers, we’re celebrating coaches and we’re celebrating the athletes and their families.”
Teammates and friends of the athletes were at the signing ceremony to support the honorees that worked hard throughout high school.
“We’re celebrating their success, but we’re really celebrating the success of all the athletes here, the ones who play all the time, the ones who are strictly on practice, all those athletes that helped them get to this point. And I know if you ask each one of them individually, they would tell you that,” McChristian said.
Four Graham Steers football players signed to play at Hardin-Simmons University, which were Ty Thompson, Bruin Wright, Harison Brockway and Brycen Rogers.
Two other Steers football players signed with other schools during the signing ceremony. Pavlo Prenushi signed with East Central Texas University and Ozzy Trejo signed with West Texas A&M University.
The Steers finished a remarkable season with a district championship and three playoff wins. The team fell to Brock in the Region 1-4A Division II final with a trip to the state semifinal on the line.
While the Steers football team had its share of honors, the baseball and volleyball teams also had student athletes sign to colleges during the ceremony.
Lillian Noble signed to play volleyball for Oklahoma Baptist University and Ryder Taylor signed to play baseball for Seminole State College in Oklahoma.
The athletic director thanked those who came out to honor the students and said the city of Graham is a special place that embraces its athletes.
“One of our athletes said, 'The thing that I remember the most was the fans.' They remember you guys. They talk about what it’s like to see you guys come out full force. That’s what makes Graham great,” McChristian said. “Graham is a special place, not just because of the athletes we have. It’s a special place because of all the community, all the parents (and) the teachers.”
