By Joshua Huff, sports editor
TRUSSVILLE — In lieu of an actual signing ceremony as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Hewitt-Trussville High School instead dipped its toe into the virtual realm and cobbled together a 12-minute-long video celebrating senior athletes who have committed to play in the collegiate ranks this coming fall.
Forced into state-mandated isolation, the coaches and student-athletes instead forwent the classic signing ceremony and submitted videos celebrating the students and thanking all who helped achieve their goals throughout the years.
With its season cut short, the baseball team celebrated the career of Kahlin Drake, who will next take his services to Coastal Alabama Community College, as the Huskies now prepare for a long offseason.
“He was a vital part of our program for his senior year,” Hewitt-Trussville baseball head coach Tyler Mauldin said of Drake. “He played many positions depending on who pitched. He played some third base, second base, right field and a designated hitter. (He’s) a very good athletic who can really run. He’s going to do great things at the next level.”
On the court, Husky basketball player Cameron Glover will head to Birmingham Southern to continue his young basketball career.
“Cam, I just want to congratulate you on signing with Birmingham Southern,” Hewitt-Trussville head basketball coach Jeff Baker said. “I think Birmingham Southern is the perfect fit for you. You’ve shown a willingness to work hard, to be self-disciplined and self-motivated. I think you’ll do very well there. You’ve earned this. You’ve put in tons and tons of work.”
Glover”s teammate, Treagan Lockett, will too take his talent into the college level following his announcement that he will next play at Gadsden State Community College.
“Best of luck to you at Gadsden State,” Baker said to Lockett. “Everybody here in our program at Hewitt-Trussville is behind you and look forward to great success in the coming months and years at Gadsden State.”
Girls’ basketball senior Erica Jones will next head south to attend the University of Mobile. The Class 7A, Area 6, regular season All-Area team honoree concluded her senior campaign as one of the top players in Class 7A and as one of the best players on a talented Huskies’ squad.
“We want to say congratulations and thank you for all you’ve done for our program and the mark you’ve left on our program,” head coach Tonya Hunter said to Jones. “It will forever be there with you making history. We just really do appreciate everything you’ve been doing. We just want you to continue to leave that bloodline in Mobile.”
The Huskies also celebrated the college decision of both Mac Brook and Kent Glover. The two teammates on the cross country and track and field teams were pivotal to the Huskies’ success throughout the years, not only because of their talents but because of the leadership that they brought to the table.
“Mac is a huge asset to our team,” cross country and track and field head coach David Dobbs said. “He’s one of the top leaders we have. He’s been with us since seventh grade. He never gives up. He’s a long-distance runner. He fights. He’s an asset to our team. The guys really look up to him.”
Brooks will attend Huntingdon College, while Glover will dust off his sandals and take to the Pacific Ocean to attend Hawaii Pacific University.
“(Hawaii Pacific) is going to have a good southern boy running for them (who’s) going to be an asset to their team,” Dobbs said.
The girls’ lacrosse team will have one senior depart. Emily Franzer announced her decision to play college lacrosse at Birmingham Southern.
“She’s a girl with a great smile and calm nature on the field,” head coach Tom McCormick said of Franzer. “Even as a freshman, she could be trusted to play offense and not lose the ball even under pressure from the other team’s defense. She has played many roles on our team in the 50-or-so games that she has played. She’s been a key source of experience on offense and defense this season.”
The boys’ lacrosse team had three players sign to play college: Reese Roberts at Huntingdon College, and Alex Lange and Andy Higginbotham.
“He was a very key part to our defense this year,” head coach Justin Sly said of Roberts. “As a team, we made massive strides. As a defense, we made even more massive strides, and Reese was a big reason why. Really, one of the best leaders … I think that he’s going to go on and do great things in college. I look forward to watching him have continued success.”