Shoemaker athletic coordinator and football head coach Toby Foreman got everyone’s attention by using his whistle to signal the start of Wednesday’s signing day ceremony.
He only needed it once, though, because soon enough, the athletes front and
center had the audience that gathered inside the school’s gym awestruck.
Whether it was the eye-popping statistics that were shared, accounts of determination through ups and downs, or the heart-felt speeches delivered by coaches, there was plenty to keep the crowd captivated before the student-athletes all signed their letters of intent to rousing applause.
“This is a great day,” Foreman said.
Indeed.
Foreman pointed out that it was the second signing day this school year that featured double-digit participants. And that’s not counting Sophia Edwin, who signed to play basketball and track and field for State Fair Community College in Missouri.
Edwin, who reached the 1,000-point plateau during her decorated career, said she’s looking forward to the busy schedule in college, which will include triple jump, long jump and some sprints plus all that shooting, passing and dribbling.
“I did it in high school. I can do it in college,” Edwin said. “I feel very blessed. I’m
definitely thankful for my friends and family the most. It wouldn’t be possible without them and my coaches. They really helped me a lot, and I really like the decision I made.”
Edwin wasn’t the only 1,000-point scorer signing Wednesday.
Jaymes Brown-Peterson, who landed with Temple College was one of three Grey Wolves basketball players to bask in a collegiate choice. He was joined by D’Rayvion Staring (Sussex College) and Isaac Hawthorne (Southwestern Christian). That trio helped Shoemaker reach the Class 5A Region III semifinals this season, the program’s deepest playoff run.
Hawthorne and Brown-Peterson will be opponents next year in the Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference.
“Oh, yeah, that’s going to be cool,” Hawthorne said. “I’m just looking forward to the experience of playing college
basketball.”
On down the line, coaches spoke about what stood out about each athlete.
Stevie Moore didn’t hesitate to bring up all the work Hazel Bowman had to put forth as a track and field athlete. It all paid dividends, of course, as Bowman shifts her career to a stay at Texas Lutheran University.
Soccer coach Dustin Mann and track/football coach Richard Daniels commended Lance Johnson (Arlington Baptist) and X’Zavion Smith (Sul Ross State University) for their perseverance through difficult junctures.
Baseball coach Russell Johns highlighted Zac Artry's role for a Shoemaker squad that posted a school-record 19 wins this season, patting him on the shoulder as he announced Artry's choice to attend Inspiration Academy in Florida.
Volleyball coach Merdith Shaw-Moore couldn’t quite hold back her tears while explaining her appreciation for Makayla Jenkins, who is headed to 
Barton College (North Carolina).
“Barton College is getting a good one,” Shaw-Moore concluded.
That could be said for all the signees Wednesday.
For more photos visit here.
