Times are different this year on 19 I Street Northwest; however, some events never change. Even though sports seasons have not been normal this school year, Gonzaga will send many athletes off to college to play sports at the next level. Usually, each athlete from each sport gets his own celebration in the theatre at one time. It is a special day where the athletes all get to be together and enjoy a moment in front of their classmates, coaches, teachers and families. However, this celebration looked different this year, but the athletic department and coaches still wanted to celebrate the more than 30 student athletes who will continue both their academic and athletic careers in college.
Given the circumstances, a strict plan has been put in place for this year’s Signing Day. Each student athlete and his family came to campus last Sunday. Each sport was assigned a different classroom where they waited to be called to the theatre. Once there, the student athlete signed his commitment, took a picture and was able to make a statement of gratitude. Then, that sport went to the field and took more pictures all together. All of this was done in accordance with COVID guidelines. Coach Reyda and Coach O Neill both expressed the importance of continuing this event saying that “it was still a priority to celebrate our great student athletes who have made us proud and will continue to do so down the road.”
Everything was recorded and was put together in a video that was made viewable for the entire Gonzaga community on Wednesday, Feb. 9 via Facebook. Mr. Mike Hanagan, head golf coach, was extremely excited that this was going to happen because he has been able to see the hard work and growth that his players have had since arriving on campus, and everyone at Gonzaga will look forward to following and watching these impressive student athletes at the next level.
“Our two seniors this year have been very valuable to our program and have been great leaders since day one, and I look forward to seeing where golf takes them next,” Mr. Hanagan said.
At the Signing Day Coach Joe Reyda, director of athletics, told the students and families “it is always important to celebrate these great student athletes who have given so much time and effort into their athletics, academics, service, and other activities at Gonzaga.”
All the athletes talked about how thankful they were for their time at the school.
“Gonzaga has been the best four years of my life, and Coach O’ Neill (head lacrosse coach) has pushed me to not only be a better player but also a better man,” said senior Finn Scanlon, who commited to Penn State for lacrosse.
The signing day went very smoothly, and the spring athletes are hopeful they can get a senior season in this year before they go on to represent the school in college.
To watch the event, see the video here or visit the Gonzaga Facebook page.