Parents, friends, coaches and of course, athletes, gathered in Highland Park High School's cafeteria Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 5 to commemorate National Signing Day, Park Cities style.
Ten senior athletes committed to participating in college sports programs at universities across the state and nation, as far as Princeton and as nearby as SMU.
Familiar faces like HPISD Athletic Director Johnny Ringo, HPHS Football Coach/HPISD Boys Athletic Coordinator Randy Allen and Girls Athletic Coordinator Susan Bailey spoke on behalf of the esteemed athletes Wednesday, each doting on the successes of each individual student and expressing anticipation at what is to come for each one in his or her collegiate athletic career.
Football, track, soccer and tennis coaches all spoke about the talent of each of their respective athletes to the cheers and applause of loved ones in the audience, and friends and family members flocked to get photos with their favorite athlete at the ceremony's end.
"We're so proud of you and really excited to hear what happens in the next chapters of your life," HPHS Principal Walter Kelly said Wednesday.
Below is the complete list of HPHS athletes who committed to universities on National Signing Day:
Tony Richards, Southern Methodist University, football
Andrew Clyde, University of Richmond, football
Abby Tisdale, Trinity University, womens soccer
Sara Summers, Texas Tech University, womens soccer
Dawson French, Trinity University, mens soccer
Jordan Bethea, Trinity University, womens soccer
Rachel O'neal, Missouri University of Science and Technology, womens soccer
Dk Manley, Southern Methodist University, womens soccer
Hunter Holman, Texas Tech University, mens tennis
Natalie Rathjen, Princeton University, womens track and field
Congratulations to all the athletes and their families, and good luck in your collegiate careers!