At 11 a.m. this Tuesday, May 20, Manual hosted a signing ceremony for 16 of its student-athletes who will continue to play their sports at the collegiate level next year. Cross country, track and field, baseball, football, dance, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s wrestling and men’s lacrosse were represented.
The ceremony began with speeches from both Athletic Director David Zuberer and Principal Dr. Michael Newman, who congratulated the athletes on their achievements and thanked them for their hard work.
“To all of you all, congratulations. I know that working to head on into the next chapter of life and continue your passion into college is a really special event for many, and I am very proud of you all. Thank you for representing duPont Manual High School, and I look forward to seeing your all’s future success as you continue on in your career,” Dr. Newman said.
The ceremony began with the recognition of the baseball athletes.
Trey Boylan (12, HSU) signed to continue playing baseball at Anderson University.
Aidan Yuhas (12, HSU) will continue his career at Milligan University.
“I would like to thank my mom and dad for their support throughout this. This wouldn’t be possible without them. I’d also like to thank the rest of my family as well as the coaches here at Manual. To my teammates, I love you all. Go buffs,” Yuhas said.
Next up to sign was Autumn Harper (12, YPAS), who will be dancing on the Ladybirds Dance Team at the University of Louisville next year.
“I just want to thank God, my family, my coaches, my home studio, my YPAS dance teachers and my teammates,” Harper said.
Football signees were recognized next.
Jaylen Hayes (12, HSU) will be playing at Anderson University.
Willis Nofsinger (12, HSU) signed with Drake University.
The next set of students to sign were track and field and cross country athletes.
Alex Allen (12, HSU) will be running at the University of Memphis.
Trent Claypool (12, HSU) signed with Simmons College.
Ty Barnes (12, HSU) signed next. He will continue his career at Hope College.
Quinn Gulden (12, HSU) was the final track and field athlete to sign. He will be attending Centre College.
“I want to thank all of my coaches… for helping me develop as a runner and also as a human being,” Gulden said.
Men’s lacrosse athletes were next to sign.
Nathan Bishop (12, HSU) will continue his career at Western Kentucky University.
Grayson Delgado (12, HSU) signed next. He will be playing at the University of Oklahoma.
Jacob Perkins (12, MST) signed with the University of Alabama.
Finally, Eli Robinson (12, HSU) signed. He will be attending the University of Louisville.
“I want to thank my mom and dad and the rest of my family for being my biggest supporters and fans. For showing up to every game, driving me to and from practices. I want to thank my teammates and coaches past and present… for making this all possible,” Robinson said.
The next group of athletes to sign were the boys’ soccer players
Ibrahim Piracha (12, HSU) will be playing at Northern Kentucky University.
Nolan Stevens (12, HSU) signed next. He will be attending the University of Southern Indiana.
“I’d like to thank my family and friends, who showed me constant support throughout this process. I’d like to thank my teammates and coaches who have grown my love for the game over the years. I’m very excited for what the future holds,” Stevens said.
The final athlete to sign was from wrestling.
Camara Carter (12, HSU) will be attending Georgetown College, where she will be on the women’s wrestling team.
“If you were to ask me two years ago, I would have never expected myself to be here. I just want to say thank God again. Go tigers,” Carter said.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Zuberer once again thanked the athletes for their contributions to Manual. Students and parents were then allowed to take photos and celebrate.
