By LILY WICHERT

On February 6, Bellefonte athletes committed to a university to continue their athletic and academic career. Seniors Cameron Stephens, Caleb Rockey, Chris Persiko, Noah Badger, Rees Kelley, and Catharine Besch made their final decisions on their college choices, and signed their letter of intent.

Cameron Stephens will be attending Wilkes University and majoring in secondary education.

“I chose Wilkes because it’s the only place I felt like home out of all the colleges I went to visit,” Cam said.

Chris Persiko has committed to Millersville University, and will be majoring in criminology.

“I chose millersville because I really felt like I was at home there with the coaches and the campus. They have awesome facilities,” Chris said.

Chris explained that after spending time with the team at Millersville, he felt the university was a “bright opportunity to become a 4 year starter,” and further his athletic and academic career.

Caleb Rockey will attend Bloomsburg University and study criminal justice. CalCaleb received a variety of offers to continue his athletics, but felt that Bloomsburg was the best choice for him. Caleb is also captain of the Bellefonte varsity basketball team.

“What stood out to me at Bloomsburg was the coach-to-player relationship,” he said.

“It seemed like a good environment for me to learn in, and the campus is beautiful. Overall, it was a great feeling that was better than any of my other visits.”

Noah Badger committed to Lock Haven University and will be a health and physical education major.

“What stood out to me was the coaching staff and how willing they were to reach out to me,” Noah said.  “I love the outdoors atmosphere that the college features, so that college seems like a great place for me.”

Head Football Coach Shannon Manning has coached each of these players throughout their time on the football team.

“I support where each of them are going. I think they each found the best home that fits them,” Coach Manning said. “These are stand up kids within our school, our community, and our program.”

Athletes Rees Kelley and Catharine (“Cati”) Besch also signed their letters of intent.

Rees signed to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for lacrosse and will be studying mechanical engineering.

“It felt like the perfect fit,” Rees said. “I am excited for the opportunity to play at the next level, and to go to such a great school.”

He explained that Rensselaer had “a great campus, quality education, and a great team atmosphere.”

Cati committed to Juniata College to continue her soccer career at the next level and will be majoring in bioinformatics.

“Juniata has a great academic program to go along with their athletics,” she said.

For Cati, Juniata combined “the best of both worlds.”

“They really feel like a tight-knit community, which is exactly what I wanted.”