On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Manual hosted the first senior signing ceremony of the graduating class of 2026. Welcomed proudly were three seniors who have made their commitment to their sports at the collegiate level. Men’s swimming, field hockey and cross country/track were represented.
The ceremony commenced at 1:45 p.m. as athletic director David Zuberer addressed the large audience of families, teammates and friends. He graciously thanked them for everyone’s respect and for the support they have given to the athletes’ commitments.
Zuberer then presented assistant principal Dwight Bransford who gave a brief speech directed towards the accomplishments of the seniors.
He expressed his appreciation for the representation they have brought to Manual, highlighting their academics as well as their respective sport.
Zuberer, returning to the mic, introduced the first athlete sign of the ceremony, Hayden Beckley (12, HSU). He will be swimming at Grand Canyon University.
“This has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid, and I’m really excited,” Beckley said.
Surrounded by his family, teammates and friends, he gave thanks to his parents for always supporting him throughout his swim journey. He also thanked his sister for being his biggest role model.
“I’m excited about getting to continue my swimming career, and meeting new people, going to Arizona, other side of the country and just seeing a different part of the country,” Beckley said.
Charlotte Connally (12, HSU), a field hockey commit at the University of Carolina-Davis, was introduced following Beckley.
Connally gave a short but sweet speech expressing her thanks to her teammates for maintaining a strong and uplifting community. She expressed that her family’s patience and commitment to her did not go unnoticed. Her piece of advice to the underclassmen who want to commit like her, is to just “stick with it.”
“Like, come into every practice with a good attitude and a good mindset ready to work, and just keep at it,” she said.
Zuberer then welcomed the final commit of the ceremony. Bailee Montgomery (12, HSU), will be running for the cross country/track team at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU).
Montgomery thanked her coaches, Tim Holman and Joshua Hartlage, for their guidance and never faltering encouragement. She expressed her anticipation and excitement for the path ahead.
“I’m excited for a new program and something fresh with a lot of girls that are all willing to try to be the best. I think it’s exciting to see how EKU is trying to build up their program again,” Montgomery said.
She thanked her parents and older brother for never giving up on her and being her biggest support system. She is grateful for her time at Manual as an amazing commitment and love for the sport has come from it.
Zuberer concluded the ceremony with a few closing remarks. He recognized all the coaches, teachers, trainers and parents that supported the athletes and will continue to support them through their athletic careers. He wished all the students success as they approach this new journey.
“It feels like they just started here as freshmen at Manual, and now they’re on to bigger and better things,” Zuberer said.
He invited the audience of family, friends, coaches and teammates to take pictures with the athletes and celebrate their big accomplishments.
