HVCC athletes commit to four-year schools

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Emily Lougee

Staff Writer

Three of Hudson Valley Community College’s football players signed to their choice of four-year college for National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 6.

John Bortz, Linebacker, signed to Millersville University. Charles Ransom, Defensive Tackle, signed to Lincoln University. Jericho Sylla, Defensive Back, signed to Tabor College.

“[National Signing Day] gives students the ability to sign a letter of intent if they were given a committable offer,” Justin Hoyt, Director of Athletics, said. “Not all students have to sign a letter of intent on this day,” he said. “It is just the first day they are able to officially commit to a school.”

“It’s kind of an announcement to the world that they’re ready to move on,” Bemi Otulaja, Assistant Coach, said. “Especially for leaving a two-year college and ready to go on to a four-year school.”

According to Ransom, many four-year schools don’t give two-year school athletes a chance.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for a lot of young men to take their first steps moving forward whether that be through scholarships or just committing,” Bortz said. “I think that’s the importance of it.”  

“I guess it gives student athletes something to celebrate: all their hard work, finally getting to enjoy the benefits of working hard over the season.” Sylla, signed to Tabor College, said.

A lot goes into deciding when to sign a letter of intent. “I guess anyone can wait to sign really but for me, I guess it was more so I can: 1. Apply to the school and get accepted and 2. It’s less stress in terms of the process [transferring] so I can focus on school.” Sylla said.

“If I didn’t sign today my scholarship would’ve been pulled so that’s pretty important,” Bortz said. “I mean just overall the situation I was able to move myself into [what] was just the biggest thing for me,” he said. “The coaching staff was great, the facilities were great, and the academics were great.”

“Today is National Signing Day, that was one big [big reason why I signed today],” Ransom said “The coaches really pressed me about today a lot too,” he said. “So that’s why I signed today.”

“Earning the opportunity to sign with a 4-year school is a major goal for many of our student-athletes.” Coach Robert VanHoesen said. “Each of them put in countless hours in the classroom, weight room and on the field,” he said. “Offers are earned, they are not just handed out.”

“The guys who are here, the guys who toughed it out throughout the season, they really understand the importance of academics and athletics because you can’t move on if you don’t have the academic portion with it,” Otulaja said.

“The entire coaching staff is extremely proud of all of our recent signees,” VanHoesen said. “We are equally as proud of everyone that competed on the field for us this past season.”