National Signing Day - February 6, 2013
37 student athletes—along with their families and coaches—were celebrated today at Charleston County School District’s (CCSD) National Signing Day, a press conference that drew a standing-room-only crowd to the CCSD boardroom. These exemplary male and female high school seniors represented six CCSD schools and six different sports, but they all had one thing in common: each student is receiving an athletic scholarship to attend college this fall.
“This is one of the happiest days of my entire year,” said Coach David Spurlock, CCSD Director of Athletics. “Today shines a spotlight on what team sports do for our kids. These young men and women had to qualify not just athletically, but academically. Only 1.4% of all students who play sports will receive a college scholarship this year, and they are part of that elite group.”
This year’s group is CCSD’s largest in the five year history of our event. Coach Spurlock emphasized the importance of expanding the day to include all athletes, so it’s not just about a few football players signing with big conference schools. He highlighted the positive impact of Title IX in helping females and athletes of lesser known sports receive equitable support and recognition, pointing out that recognitions such as Kendra Blackstock’s (Wando) lacrosse scholarship may not have existed without this significant legislation.
Superintendent Nancy McGinley asked the crowd—what is the role of a student athlete? “It’s so much more than practices and games,” she said. “Being a student athlete shapes who you are, gives you discipline, and keeps you to a higher standard. Little kids look up to you, and adults rely on you.” Dr. McGinley stressed the vital importance of teamwork in today’s society, and credited team sports for teaching those skills to tomorrow’s leaders.
Both Dr. McGinley and Coach Spurlock thanked the large community of people who give their all to support student athletics: the parents, grandparents, and siblings; the coaches, assistant coaches, trainers and student support staff; the teachers and principals; the booster club volunteers and fundraisers; the fans; and the media. “CCSD knows it takes a lot of support, but look at the payoff!” said Dr. McGinley.
In one of the most touching moments of the day, Dr. McGinley personally congratulated Academic Magnet student Stuart Walters, who will attend Johns Hopkins this fall and play football. Stuart played tennis with Dr. McGinley six years ago as part of the Superintendent’s Cup, and a picture of them hangs in a prominent place at 75 Calhoun still today. Stuart received his scholarship for outstanding academics, and Coach Spurlock commended him for his level of academic excellence, adding, “I hope in 8 or 10 years when I’m being wheeled into surgery somewhere and you’re in that O.R., you will remember me!”
Congratulations to our 37 distinguished Signing Day athletes for 2013:
Academic Magnet
Jonathan Glenn, Boston University for Men's Soccer
Matt Houle, Randolph Macon College for Men's Soccer
Andrew Novack, Wofford College for Men's Golf
Kallie Peurifoy, Virginia Tech for Women's Soccer
Stuart Walters, Johns Hopkins University for Men's Football
James Island Charter
Sarah Blakeley, College of Charleston for Women's Soccer
Austin Collingham-Walker, Newberry College for Men's Baseball
Christian Dorothy, Spartanburg Methodist College for Men's Baseball
Cody Hobbs, Spartanburg Methodist College for Men's Baseball
Josh Schooler, Wofford College for Men's Soccer
Haley Tucker, Spartanburg Methodist College for Women's Golf
Kali Watkins, University of South Carolina Sumter for Women's Softball
Tyler Weekley, Charleston Southern University for Men's Baseball
St. Johns High School
Johnny Burch, North Greenville for Men's Football
School of the Arts
Eli Dent, University of South Carolina for Men's Soccer
Wando High School
Kendra Blackstock, Columbia College for Women's Lacrosse
RaShaun Brown, North Greenville for Men's Football
Rudder Brown, The Citadel for Men's Football
Hamilton Carlin, University of South Carolina for Men's Soccer
Michael Carpin, University of Georgia for Men's Baseball
Erik Clark, College of Charleston for Men's Soccer
Hunter Danna, University of Memphis for Men's Soccer
Andrew Davis, University of South Carolina for Men's Soccer
Austin Fister, Tusculum College for Men's Football
Grace Gore, Limestone College for Women's Soccer
Christian Jablonski, College of Charleston for Men's Soccer
Brock King, College of Charleston for Men's Soccer
Chris Leslie, Limestone College for Men's Football
Chuck Rouse, Wofford College for Men's Football
Dirk “Babe” Thomas, Winthrop University for Men's Baseball
Ansley Vaughan, Converse College for Women's Golf
Stephen Wilson, Presbyterian College for Men's Football
Nathaniel Wright, Tusculum College for Men's Football
West Ashley High School
David Allen, University of South Carolina Sumter for Men's Baseball
April Jones, University of South Carolina Sumter for Women's Softball
Madison Jones, Wofford College for Women's Soccer
Whitney Williams, University of Virginia for Women's Softball