Area athletes sign and commit to colleges

Posted May 15, 2013 by Scott Purks

Updated May 17, 2013 at 12:46 PM

Plant’s football team continued piling up its college scholarship signings this week as five seniors made their commitments official: Defensive lineman Eliel Shines (Seton Hill in Pennsylvania), quarterback Kyle Groh (Ohio Wesleyan), defensive end Kareem Martin (Lindenwood University in Missouri), defensive lineman-linebacker Eliel Shines (Seton Hill), defensive tackle Gage Stokes (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) and receiver K.J. Walker (Averett University in Virginia). That pushed the Panthers’ total football signings to 15 for the 2012-13 school year.

Plant golfer Ryan Gendron also signed with St. Leo College and Nikki Misner signed a softball scholarship with Maine

On the track scene, Riverview High sprinter Chase McCoy announced he is committing to a track scholarship with the University of Central Missouri.
McCoy, who finished sixth in the 100 meters at the Class 4A state track meet, is scheduled to sign his scholarship on Monday, May 20.

Steinbrenner announces athletic signings

Posted May 15, 2013 by Nick Williams

Updated May 15, 2013 at 01:55 PM

The following athletes at Steinbrenner High signed national letters of intent today:

Soccer:
Jason Collister- University of Tampa
Enrique Barboto- Barry University
Derek Gebhard- Florida Gulf Coast

Football:
Chander Phillips- WIngate University
Blaine Tucker- Avemaria University
Chris Harrison- Methodist University
Jared Penzer- Ohio Wesleyan

Cross Country/ Track:
Lauren Garris- University of West Florida

Volleyball:
Natalia Campos- Valdosta State University

Golf:
Nic Kalolo- Maryville College

Holy Names’ Martin picks TCU

Posted May 14, 2013 by Jarrett Guthrie

Updated May 14, 2013 at 04:04 PM

Academy of the Holy Names golfer Emmy Martin has verbally committed to Texas Christian University athletic director Kevin Vargas announced Tuesday.

Martin, a junior, was selected first team All-Hillsborough County by the Tampa Tribune for the third-straight season after winning her second-straight district and region individual titles last season.

CDS’ Lewis signs with Kentucky Christian

Posted May 14, 2013 by Nick Williams

Updated May 14, 2013 at 02:25 PM

Carrollwood Day School senior receiver Nate Lewis has signed with Kentucky Christian University, a NAIA program.

Lewis, who sat out his junior season with an ACL tear, finished the 2012 season with 19 receptions for 469 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, Lewis collected 20 tackles with one pass deflection and a forced fumble.

KCU finished 7-4 last season.

Pasco rising sophomore WR/DB Nate Craig pulls in Florida, FSU offers

Posted May 14, 2013 by Mike Camunas

Updated May 14, 2013 at 01:27 PM

Though Pasco’s Nate Craig already has numerous offers, the rising sophomore star pulled in his first in-state offer Tuesday morning.

Pirates coach Tom McHugh tweeted that Craig received a phone call from Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp, who then proceeded to give the 6-foot-3, 200-pound WR/DB his ninth Division I offer. Less than two hours later, Craig said via his Facebook page that Florida State gave him his 10th offer.

Craig, who had 18 catches for 299 yards and seven touchdowns as a freshman in 2012, already had three SEC offers: Tennessee, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, but also already had five more offers: Texas Tech, UMass, Ohio State, Clemson and Rutgers.

Craig also had four interceptions and five pat downs playing safety last season, while there should be more offers for the rising recruit before Pasco travels to Land O’ Lakes for its Spring Game on May 23 at 7 p.m.

Correspondent Mike Camunas can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or follow him on Twitter @MikeCamunas.