SHS Holds Spring Signing Event

On Friday, May 3, 2019, in the Gold Gym at Simsbury High School (SHS), Director of Athletics & Student Activities Jeff Pinney invited 24 student-athletes and their families to SHS’s third annual “Spring Signing Day.” On this day, student athletes en masse sign their letters of intent or commitment, depending on the division level, to play a sport at a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) college or university.

In his first year as Director of Athletics & Student Activities, Pinney conceived of this event as a way to honor all athletes who decide to commit to athletics at the college level, whether it be DI, DII, DIII or even club level sports. In addressing the families, students, and several faculty and administrators in attendance, he commented, “This is my favorite day of the year.”

Pinney added, “Each one of these athletes has worked hard to have this exciting opportunity to not only further their education, but to compete at the next level.”

Each student-athlete signed two letters, one for them to retain as a keepsake, and the other that Pinney will send to their college coach along with a personal note about each student. Hats, customized with each student’s name, the Trojan logo, and the inspirational words, “Next Level,” were donated by the Simsbury Trojans Hall of Fame Committee.

The theme of the event, noted Pinney, was “gratitude and commitment.” The students’ commitment to playing a sport was evident by their signature on the letters of intent, but he reminded them that there is also a debt of gratitude to be paid—for all the times their parents spent driving them to school and then back and forth from sports practice.

According to Pinney, connections continue long after high school graduation, and that means some big expectations as students grow and become adults. He said, “We have high expectations for all our SHS athletes. We expect a lot. This doesn’t change when you put on a different uniform. You are still a Simsbury Trojan.”

The following SHS student athletes participated in the signing ceremony:

• Ethan Bautista (Purchase College, State University of New York, Soccer)
• James Bosworth (Seton Hall University, Golf)
• Aiden Brown (University of New Hampshire, Rugby)
• Jackson Butler (Tufts University, Football)
• Richard Candelario (University of Connecticut, Rugby)
• Ryan Caulfield (Ithaca College, Baseball)
• Bianca Ceolin (Quinnipiac University, Rugby)
• Colby Chase (Anna Maria College, Football)
• Jack Donofrio (University of Notre Dame, Baseball)
• Griffin Dorman (Wesleyan University, Rugby)
• Katelin Isakoff (Tufts University, Swimming)
• Matthew Lajoie (Catholic University, Rugby)
• Lindsay Madigan (University of Rhode Island, Ice Hockey)
• Millicent Malloy (Bucknell University, Crew)
• Joseph Matteo (Endicott College, Rugby)
• Spencer Meace (Illinois Institute of Technology, Lacrosse)
• Sidney Palinkas (United States Coast Guard Academy, Soccer and Track)
• Jonathan Prell (University of Maine, Track & Field)
• Gabriel Rosario (University of Connecticut, Rugby)
• Meghan Stepka (University of Rhode Island, Ice Hockey)
• Parker West (University of New England, Soccer)
• Jalen Williams (Pine Manor College, Basketball)
• Torben Wunderle (Hamilton College, Lacrosse)
• Kory Zall (Springfield College, Football)