Five Southwest athletes committed to collegiate sports at the first signing day early Wednesday morning. Each athlete was called up onto the auditorium stage along with their family one by one to commit to their respective sports.

“I’ve played volleyball since fifth grade,” senior Jaden Ferguson said. “I’m signed to Northwest Missouri State. I really like the area and the campus, and it was close to home.”

This great honor gave high school athletes recognition for going above and beyond in their respective sports, as well as allowed students to plan ahead for college.

Each athlete was called onto the stage by their coaches, who then gave a brief speech about the athlete’s time at Southwest, reminiscing memories throughout the years. Afterwards, the athlete signed the forms and left the stage after embracing their coach in either a hug or a handshake.

Athletic director Mark Armstrong oversaw the entire event, watching from the sidelines.

“We typically have 35-45 students per year that sign in various sports,” Armstrong said. “This event gives us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the successes that our students have had, that has led them to decide to continue their careers at the next level.”

Many teachers allowed their students to visit the ceremony in order to cheer on their friends and peers.

“I believe athletes deserve the recognition,” freshman Cole Siebenborn said. “If they weren’t getting any recognition for going to a college that they would like to go to or just a college that is good for athletics, then it’s kind of pointless to go to a big college. It’s an achievement to get an offer like that from a good college.”

Other signing days will take place on Dec. 19, 2018, Feb. 6, 2019, as well as the final signing day on Aug. 1, 2019.

The following list is comprised of the athlete’s name, followed by their sport, and the college they are signing to.

Raegan Wells Girls Soccer Washburn University

Jaden Ferguson Volleyball Northwest Missouri State

Emma Kauf Softball Georgia Tech University

Hannah Kelle Girls Basketball Illinois State University

Berkeley Livingston Swimming/Diving University of Nebraska-Lincoln