The 15 athletes walked onto the stage amidst a roar of applause from the audience. Among them were 13 football players and two women’s soccer players. In front of them was a long table, surrounded by black and gold balloons, with small placards for every athlete. 

This was signing day, where senior athletes who will be continuing to play sports in college reveal what school they will be attending.  

The football team’s Head Coach, Robert Weiner opened the event on Feb. 7 at the Grace Family Church. 

“Today is a culmination day,” he said. “It’s a day that goes back to the first time a little boy picked up a football… when a little girl first kicked a soccer ball.” 

Coach Rosado, of the women’s soccer team, also gave a speech at the event.  

“These two young women have done an amazing job of representing what it means to be a Plant women’s soccer player,” she said about her two athletes represented on the stage. “Not only are they phenomenal students, but they excel on the field as well.” 

The audience of the event was filled with friends, parents, siblings and teachers. Many players from both teams were in the audience, along with their coaches.  

Also in attendance were other familiar figures, including officer Mark Holloway and principal Johnny Bush.  

All the student-athletes in attendance gave their own speeches, thanking those important to them. Some also offered words of advice to friends and family in the audience. 

“Don’t let anyone tell you you’re too small or too slow or too weak,” Micah McFadden said. In his football career, he set a school record for tackles and was named as a top ten defensive player in the state. “They said that to everyone on this stage.” 

McFadden will be attending Indiana University. Other notable football players at the event include Ty Thompson. 

“I don’t know if there’s ever been a player as loved by his teammates as Ty Thompson,” Coach Weiner said. 

Thompson, who plays running back, was injured in August and was out for the season. Thompson became emotional when describing his friendship with his teammates. 

“I love you guys; you’re beautiful,” Thompson said. “Even though I didn’t play, you guys made me feel like I did.” 

This was the largest signing day in school history and comes off a season where football went 12-2 and made it to the state semifinals. Women’s soccer went 11-3-1 in their season.