WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – National Signing Day, always held on the first Wednesday in February, saw some local athletes sign their letters of intent to play at the collegiate level.
At Wichita Northwest High School, five football players signed in front of family and friends. The Grizzlies made it to the sectional round of the Kansas High School Football playoffs in 2022.
“It’s unreal, it really is,” Jacob Lamb, who is signed with Friends University, said of the event. “I didn’t know what to expect coming here, but it’s just unreal to see all my people around here. I see my boys right here. I see everyone behind. It’s great, it really is.”
LJ Phillips, a running back who signed with South Dakota, said it’s crazy to think he’s a college athlete.
“It’s amazing, it’s crazy,” Phillips said. “Ever since I was in kindergarten, I wanted to play college football, I wanted to be in high school and finish goal, Friday night lights, and now I’m here. It’s crazy to think I’m going to be a college athlete.
Across Metro Wichita in Derby, several athletes signed with colleges from the junior college ranks all the way up to Division I. It was pretty clear they had a ton of people they wanted to thank for being able to compete at the next level.
“Really, I just want to thank all my coaches and everyone who has helped me along the way,” said Kade Shelton, who is signed to play baseball at Cowley College. “Just everyone who helped me get here. They’ve had a huge impact.”
Another baseball player, Andrew Miller, who signed with Friends University, thanked his family.
“To my parents, thank you for helping me get to where I am today,” Miller said. “I wouldn’t be here without you guys. I love you guys. And to my sisters, I love you guys too.
