By RYAN WALKER
Bluffton High School had one of its biggest college athletic signing days in recent memory.
Thursday morning, 11 student-athletes surrounded by their families, friends, coaches and staff members gathered in the cafetorium to celebrate the extension of their academic and athletic careers. Eight of the 11 were signing for the first time, while three of them had already signed, but joined the party to honor what Athletic Director Steve Thompson said was the most signees he’s had in one senior class.
“As the athletic director, I’m very proud of our student-athletes,” Thompson said. “But just as a man, I almost get emotional. I’m just proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish. Yes, they’re going to continue their athletics in college, but they’re just better people. I’m blessed — we’re blessed because of the quality of people they are.”
The athletes that inked in their new school colors in order were: Braxton Betancourt, Olney Central College for baseball; Johnny Cruz, Indiana Tech for wrestling; Lukas Gehrett, Bluffton University for football; Haley Gibson, Saint Francis for basketball; Alex West, Bluffton University for football; Ben Ramseyer, Trine for football; Alydia Bertsch, Indiana Wesleyan for cheerleading; and Sophia Schwartz, Taylor for cheerleading. The three athletes that already signed previously were: Eli Garrett, Indiana Tech for baseball; Tyler Godwin, Purdue Fort Wayne for cross country and track and field; and Sam Mechling, Manchester for football.
Thompson described this senior class of 2024 as ones that have character and resiliency that have grown since they were freshmen. Now, in his 18th year as the A.D., Thompson wanted to celebrate this class in one special day together like a family.
“I wanted to bring everyone together to kind of emphasize the significance of the day and just reinforce the idea that we are one family and it’s a family event, it’s us. Yes, we had signings today, but it’s about us,” Thompson said.
The athletes echoed his words, as they’ve grown up together in Bluffton and have all supported one another through the good, the bad and just having a blast together.
“This class is amazing,” Gibson said, who will be attending Saint Francis to play basketball. “Ever since youth elementary school, we’ve all been athletic and we’ve been there for each other, honestly. All of us have had our struggles, but all of us are very put together.”
“My class is very athletic,” Cruz said. “I think the thing with them is they’re very motivated, they want to have a good future. Most of them love sports, so of course they want to do the thing they love as they’re learning for their career. I just feel like our class is a very nice set of kids.”
There were several reasons why each athlete chose their respective schools. Some include the program fit, the campus life and environment, and education programs — or even the case of West and Gehrett, who get to play with one another for another four years with a school the same name as their high school.
For Betancourt, like the rest of the bunch, playing baseball was a sport he’s always loved and wanted to play for as long as he could.
“Ever since I could walk,” Betancourt said. “When I started swinging the bat, I was like ‘Man, this is going to be my life for a lifetime hopefully.’ Being able to play and just have fun.”
For him and many others, they’ll get the opportunity to fulfill the itch to stay on the playing field.
ryan@news-banner.com
