Uncertainty over COVID-19 nixed their 2020 spring sports seasons. And five Christ School student-athletes probably never imagined that one day their college signing ceremony would include masks and limited capacity.
Sam Brie ’21 (St. Bonaventure University lacrosse), Sean Dow ’21 (Lehigh University lacrosse), Andrew Graham ’21, (University of North Carolina Greensboro golf), Andrew Grande ’21 (Rice University baseball), and Keese Zugehoer (Lindenwood University lacrosse) basked in the spotlight all the same Wednesday with their families watching on.
The Christ School Broadcast Network live-streamed the ceremony from Pingree Auditorium which is still available for viewing at https://csstump.net/live.
Greenie spring sports have been the ones affected the most since the pandemic began in March.
Lacrosse was undefeated at 4-0 and undoubtedly the favorite to win a fourth consecutive NCISAA state championship when the season was cancelled. Baseball had a 5-1 record and was returning from a Spring Break trip to the Florida League High School Invitational. Golf only got in two regular-season matches. Tennis and track only held practices.
Christ School resumed in-person learning in August and has since been able to safely conduct cross country, soccer, and football seasons.
The optimism carried over to Wednesday’s ceremony with Athletic Director Eric Thorp ‘01 saying that “we have a group of guys today who represent some of our best and we’re excited about the chance to recognize them. On behalf of Christ School and behalf of your summer programs and your families, this is something to be very proud of. You all should take pride in being part of a very small percentage of those that go on to play at the collegiate level and commit to that student-athlete experience.”
Spring sports for the NCISAA begins on Feb. 15, 2021.
More photos from Wednesday’s ceremony can be found at Facebook.com/ChristSchool.org.