It was an exciting day in Raptor Gym, as 10 of Gallatin High’s senior athletes signed to play sports at the next level.
Many of the student-athletes are feeling more relaxed now that the pen has been put to paper.
“It was a relief, honestly,” said MSU track and field signee Garret Coley. “It just felt like another burden I got off my back.”
“It’s definitely a relief to know I am done with the whole process,” said Adrian College lacrosse signee Melaina Springer. “I’m glad to be locked in on where I am going.”
With ink on the contract, many of these young athletes are at ease, but now a new challenge emerges as some will travel far from home.
For others, there are college sports right here in the Treasure State.
“I wanted to stay close, and Helena is pretty close, so that was a big selling point," said Carroll College cross-country and track and field signee Peter Rehberger.
“A 10-20-minute drive from home will just be amazing,” said Garret Coley. “On the weekends, I can still make family dinner with my cousins.”
Although the athletes are happy to be close to home, they still wanted to be with programs that pushed them, and they found what they’re looking for.
"This is a very competitive team, and they have a lot of potential,” said Coley. “I’m really looking forward to working with the coaches.”
“I think it’s a very competitive program, which I have always wanted, and also the school is great academically,” said Carroll College volleyball signee Molly O’Connor.
A program that pushes you and is close to home is something many student-athletes search for but never find, but three of Gallatin’s 10 student-athletes are living the best of both worlds.
Full list of athletes who signed:
Peter Rehberger, Carroll College, MT - XC and T&F
David Seymour, Menlo College, CA - XC and T&F
Nolan Gyselman, Midland University, NE - Basketball
Aeden DeGraw, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL - Swim
Molly O'Connor, Carroll College, MT - Volleyball
Melaina Springer, Adrian College, MI - Lacrosse
Garret Coley, Montana State, MT - T&F
Andrew Western, Walla Walla Community College, WA -Baseball
Corbin Holzer, Jamestown University ND – Baseball
Josie Neal, Arizona State University AZ - Cheerleading