Congratulations to these CAL athletes who all signed letters of intent at the following schools last week:

Jacqueline Anderson – Centre College (Lacrosse)

Trevor Black – Thomas More College (Football)

Jonathan Finch – Lindsey Wilson College (Basketball)

Joe Snyder – Bryan College (Baseball)

Tyler Stocking – Asbury University (Basketball)

JACQUELINE ANDERSON SIGNS WITH CENTRE COLLEGE

Senior, Jacqueline Anderson, signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse at Centre College on Thursday, May 10th. Anderson is the first CAL girls’ lacrosse player to sign at the college level. Anderson is one of the original team members that started a girls’ lacrosse team at CAL five years ago. She has been a 3-time All- State player as well as a 2-time starter for the Lacrosse Women’s Division National Tournament Team.

“It has been a true pleasure to coach Jacqueline. She’s a player who at the end of practice stays longer to practice more. She is one of the best and most complete lacrosse players I’ve ever coached. Jacqueline is well thought of in the lacrosse community and has truly led our team all year,” said CAL head girls’ lacrosse coach, Stu Bailey.

John and Kim Anderson, Jacqueline’s parents, knew nothing about lacrosse when she approached them about playing in the 8th grade. “We are so thankful for the friends that she has made through lacrosse and the wonderful experience we have had here at CAL. We greatly appreciate Coach Bailey for the positive force he has been. Jacqueline has a Godly influence on others. As long as she keeps God in the forefront, she’ll do just fine. We are so proud of her,” said Mr. Anderson.

Jacqueline tearfully thanked her parents, her teammates, Coach Bailey, and especially her mom for being her biggest fan.

Anderson also made an official visit to Presbyterian College in South Carolina but chose Centre because of its outstanding academics, location, size, and lacrosse team.

Centre College women’s lacrosse coach, Julie Beer, also attended the signing ceremony.

TREVOR BLACK SIGNS WITH THOMAS MORE COLLEGE

First year CAL football player Trevor Black, signed a letter of intent to play football at Thomas More College on Wednesday, May 9th.

Black is an All-State soccer player and has received numerous awards for his accomplishments in soccer. It was a half-time Chick-fil-A field goal kick that changed gears for Black. That 50 yard kick jump started Trevor to play football his senior year, his first and only on the CAL football team. After years dedicated to another sport, Trevor said he chose football as his college athletic career because it offers a whole new experience. “I tried football and fell in love with it,” said Black.

“I knew Trevor was an all-star goalie and was excited when he decided to give football a try. I appreciate all he did for us in such a short amount of time. Trevor has just scratched the surface of his talent. I’m really excited for him,” said head CAL football coach, Stefan Lefors.

CAL Assistant Coaches, Ken Kortas and Tracy Trenaman echoed Lefors’ praise of Black. “I wish we could have had Trevor longer. He is a thunder-leg kicker and has the strength, desire, and fundamentals to be a pro kicker,” said Coach Kortas.

“I’ve known Trevor since he was in the 3rd grade. He has a great attitude and has no fear. Trevor meant a great deal to us on the football team. I wish him the best of luck,” said Trenaman.

Karen & William Black, Trevor’s parents, thanked Trevor’s coaches for all they had done to support Trevor. “CAL has been a family to us and Thomas More feels like family too. After 14 years of soccer and 6 weeks of football, Trevor is signing for football. Everything happens for a reason,” said Mr. Black.

Trevor closed the ceremony by thanking Coach Lefors and Coach Trenaman for giving him this opportunity. “I’m excited for the privilege to kick for the Saints,” said Black.

Black also made official visits to Hanover College and Wittenburg University. Trevor is eager to begin this next chapter at Thomas More where he intends to major in Physical Therapy.

Click below to view Trevor’s story as featured on WDRB.http://www.wdrb.com/story/18248322/trevor-black-turns-halftime-kick-into-scholarship

http://www.wdrb.com/story/18248322/trevor-black-turns-halftime-kick-into-scholarship

JONATHAN FINCH SIGNS WITH LINDSEY WILSON COLLEGE

Senior Jonathan Finch, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Lindsey Wilson College on Friday, May 11th. Finch had scheduled visits to Pikeville College and Spalding University, but after visiting Lindsey Wilson he felt like it was home. Jonathan’s mother, Lisa Finch, has family in Columbia, Kentucky.

“I am so excited that Jonathan has found a place he can call home for the next four years. He is a man of Christ, a leader, and will stand up for what is right. He will be an example-setter and I think Lindsey Wilson will be a great opportunity for him to grow in his faith,” said CAL head basketball coach, Casey Smallwood.

“I want to thank Coach Smallwood for persistently working with college coaches to get me where I needed to be,” said Finch.

Jonathan has also worked in CAL’s athletic office as an intern this year. “It has been a privilege to work with Jonathan. He is a good one to have around. He is a hard worker and is willing to do whatever we ask of him no matter how menial it may be. He has a great spirit about it. I can’t wait to follow his basketball career,” said Assistant Athletic Director, Kevin Bowers.

“We are seeing the accomplishment of a goal that Jonathan set from an early age. Jonathan has had a ball in his hands since he was little. This hasn’t been an easy journey for him though. He was cut from the basketball team his 7th & 8th grade years but tried out for the freshman team anyway. He made the team and was 15th out of 15 on the bench. He’s been knocked down but never gave up on his goal. We are so proud of him,” said Jonathan’s father, Don Finch.

Finch has played basketball for CAL for four years and is eager to begin this next chapter of his life playing for the Blue Raiders and majoring in Sports Administration.

JOE SNYDER SIGNS TO PLAY BASEBALL AT BYRAN COLLEGE

Senior, Joe Snyder, signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Bryan College on Monday, May 7th. Snyder felt like God was leading him to Bryan College. “Coach Hasty is a Godly man and I know he will push me to grow as a player and as a man,” said Joe.

“Joe has the Lord in his life. You can tell that by the way he carries himself. He works extremely hard and is always positive. He keeps the team loose and laughing and is a great teammate. Joe will do well at Bryan College,” said head CAL Baseball Coach, Tim Brown.

Phenom Baseball coach, Mike Clark said, “Joe is the type of player who will come out and compete. He wants the ball.”

Ken & Sally Snyder, Joe’s parents thanked his teachers, teammates, and coaches for their support. “God blessed Joe with an arm for baseball but most importantly God has blessed him with a heart for Him. I know he is my son, but I’ve never known anyone like him. He is my hero,” said Mr. Snyder.

Mrs. Snyder read scripture from Philippians verses 3:13-14. “Joe has taught us more than we have taught him. He is God’s man and we are most proud of that,” said Mrs. Snyder.

Joe has played baseball since the age of 10 and for six years at CAL. He is excited about attending Bryan College next fall where he is planning to major in Business Management & Economics.

TYLER STOCKING SIGNS TO PLAY BASKETBALL AT ASBURY UNIVERSITY

CAL basketball senior, Tyler Stocking, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Asbury University. The signing ceremony was opened in prayer by Director of Athletics, Darin Long. Stocking has played basketball for CAL since 3rd grade and was named All Tournament Region & District Team his senior year.

“Such a small percentage of players get to play at the next level and to play for Coach Shouse at Asbury is a great opportunity. Asbury will allow Tyler to not only grow as a basketball player, but in his faith and as a man as well. I have a great deal of trust and respect for Tyler,” said head CAL Basketball Coach, Casey Smallwood.

Asbury head basketball coach, Will Shouse, said, “I had three people that I trust immensely speak highly of Tyler. He came down to visit and he fell in love with the campus and we fell in love with him. He’s excited about our program and we are excited to have him. We are eager to welcome him to the team.”

Assistant CAL basketball coach, Carlos Mitchell, congratulated Tyler on his hard work and told Coach Shouse what a great player and person he has in Tyler.

Stocking thanked his friends, his parents, Pam and John Stocking, and Coach Shouse for their support and for the opportunity to play at Asbury. The signing ceremony was closed in prayer by teammate, Jonathan Finch. Stocking is undecided on his major.