Signing Day: Continuing Athletic Careers in College

SIGNING DAY - 2/1/23

Congratulations to these six seniors on Signing Day for committing to continuing their athletic careers as student athletes. On Wednesday, the following seniors made their commitments: Kaden Alford, baseball at Young Harris College; Joey Bertrand, wrestling at Minot State University; Makael Carter, football at Washington State University; Aaron Kruse, football at the University of Pennsylvania; Brady Nardella, wrestling at Huntingdon College; and Tyler Nelson, wrestling at UNC Pembroke.

They join the three student athletes who signed in the fall: Monet Dance, basketball at William and Mary; Erin Parker, softball at the University of North Carolina; and Madison Nichols, soccer at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

KADEN ALFORD

Young Harris College

Baseball

 

Coach Jamie Woods: Kaden is one of the best catchers I have ever coached. He has also shown the most improvement in one year that I have ever seen. Young Harris is a great program and a perfect fit for a great player! Kaden should do amazing things at Young Harris, and they are lucky to have a talent like him. I'm excited to see just how great of a senior season he is going to have. 

Awards/Accolades/Stats: Kaden is coming off an outstanding junior year that saw him anchor the team at the catching position and earn first team All-Region honors. Kaden basically shut down other teams' running game because teams were aware of his ability as a catcher. Offensively, Kaden batted .315 with an On-Base % or .421, 5 Homeruns, 5 Triples, 4 Doubles, and 6 stolen bases.  

 

 

JOEY BERTRAND

Minot State University

Wrestling

 

Record: 201-36: State Champ, State Runner-up, 3rd at State

Coach Josh Merry: I've had the pleasure of coaching Joey for eight years now, and it's been a joy watching him grow into the young man he has become. He is a true leader who not only brings talent into the room, but also joy and laughter, which is always needed in wrestling. Joey is going to do great things next year in college, and I can't wait to see how he does. He'll be truly missed. Now Joey, go win your state championship!  

MAKAEL CARTER

Washington University

Football

2023: All State, All Region

Coach Ryan Livezey: This season Makael really matured as a player and person. Although he had tremendous stats, he improved as a blocker and route runner. Throughout the season he lined up as a receiver, corner, safety, outside linebacker, and even kicked off sometimes. He was also a tremendous leader for us this season. He willingly did whatever was needed of him to make us a better football team. Wash U is getting a great player, but also a great person. 

AARON KRUSE

University of Pennsylvania

Football

2023: All State, All Region

Coach Ryan Livezey: Aaron has been a four-year starter for us. Last year he made the decision that he wanted to play college football, and he put in the work. After countless hours of getting stronger, faster, and quicker, you could really see the difference. Two things that really impressed me about Aaron this year were his willingness to help the younger players and his toughness when it counted. He was definitely the steadying force on our line of scrimmage this year. Penn is getting a great young man and a heck of a football player. 

BRADY NARDELLA

Huntingdon College

Wrestling

 

Record: 118-58: State Runner-up, Placed 5th  

Coach Josh Merry: In my years of coaching I've never seen anyone else grow in the sport like Brady has. He is a true example of what can happen when you work hard at something. His work ethic and drive is something that will be deeply missed in the practice room. Brady goes 100% all the time. I still remember his first day coming into the wrestling room. Brady you'll be missed. Now Brady, go win your state championship!  

TYLER NELSON

UNC Pembroke

Wrestling

Record:196-29: 2x State Champion, State Runner-up

Coach Josh Merry: Tyler is a true competitor! Along with our other two seniors who are signing today, he has helped the team win three team state championships so far. His athleticism is like no one else's on the team. When you think he's down, he always finds a way to win! Not only does he bring talent to the team, but he brings confidence that the team feeds off. Now Tyler, go win your state championship!