On Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 5, Manual hosted a signing ceremony for fifteen senior athletes, who will continue to play their sport at the collegiate level. Field hockey, football, track and field, softball and soccer were all represented.
The ceremony began at 1:30 p.m. Athletic Director David Zuberer spoke briefly and then introduced Principal Dr. Michael Newman. Newman addressed the seniors, thanking them for representing Manual as they move on to the collegiate level.
He then thanked the athletes’ parents.
“This is an opportunity to give thanks out to your teammates, your parents, who held you up as you went through your sports career to get where you are today,” Newman said.
Shortly after, D. Zuberer took over and began the ceremony.
He first introduced the four field hockey athletes.
Claire Dixon (12, J&C) was the first to sign. She will be playing field hockey at DePauw University.
“I want to say thank you to my parents and teammates. I am so grateful for this opportunity to play field hockey at the collegiate level,” Dixon said during her speech.
Jane Fishback (12, HSU) signed next. She will also be playing field hockey at DePauw University.
Following her, Dawson Packwood (12, HSU) signed. She will be playing at St. Louis University.
Lucy Vanderhoff (12, J&C) was the last of the field hockey players to sign. She will continue playing field hockey at MIT.
“I want to thank every single one of my coaches over the years, [and] all of my teammates older and younger that I’ve played with over the years,” Vanderhoff said.
Zuberer then presented the singular athlete signing for softball, Hailey Kincaid (12 HSU). She will be playing softball at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
“I’m definitely going to miss [Manual], but it was a really big part in letting me get to where I am today, so [I’m] grateful,” Kincaid said.
After this, Zuberer introduced the football athletes.
First was Kaden Baker (12, HSU), who will be playing football at Georgetown College.
“I want to thank my mom, and sister Kelsey, who have been my number one supporters. They showed up for me countless times,” Baker said.
Leron Brown (12, HSU) signed following Baker. He will play football at Georgetown College, as well.
Antwan Hogue Jr. (12, HSU) signed next. He will be playing at Morehead State University.
“Mom, dad, none of this would’ve been possible without your sacrifices,” Hogue Jr. said.
The third football player to be presented was Kaiden Quirin (12, HSU). He will be playing at Georgetown College, too.
“I would like to thank my parents and my brother Kolten for all their love [and] their support throughout the years,” Quirin said.
Cash Zuberer (12, HSU) was the final football athlete to sign. He will be playing football at Georgetown College.
“This has been a long journey. There’s no way I could have done it alone,” C. Zuberer said.
Afterwards, D. Zuberer introduced and presented the three cross country and track and field athletes.
First was Sam Chandler (12, HSU), who will be running cross country and track and field at Marquette University.
“To my parents.. whether I had a good race or not, you had my back, you constantly uplifted me and that uplifting attitude has helped me more than you all know,” Chandler said.
Next was Tedi Henderson (12, HSU), who will run cross country at Murray State University.
“I’m thankful for the opportunities that running has brought to me,” Henderson said.
Last to sign was Emerson Wyatt (12, MST). She will be running cross country and track and field at Vassar College.
“I’m extremely excited. It was a difficult process finding a school, but I’m super happy because me, along with many of the other girls that were here today are excited about continuing their academic journey as well as their athletic journey,” Wyatt said.
Following this, D. Zuberer introduced the two soccer athletes.
Mia Bajic (12, HSU) signed first. She will be playing soccer at the University of Indianapolis.
“I’ve had plenty of opportunities to play college soccer, but Indie really felt like my home and I can’t wait to just have my next couple of years there to do something I love,” Bajic said.
Morgan White (12, HSU) was the final athlete to sign. She will be playing at the University of the Cumberlands.
After all of the athletes signed, their family, friends and teammates had the opportunity to take pictures and celebrate.
