Trio of Knights sign college letters of intent

Trio of Knights sign college letters of intent
Dave Mast

Signing their letters of intent to their respective colleges were West Holmes seniors Mason Wolfe, left, who will head to Ashland University to play football; Carolyn Miller, who will be off to compete in cross country and track at Malone University; and Elijah Baldridge, who will take his talents to AU to play both football and to wrestle.

                        

On April 14 a trio of West Holmes Knights signed their letters of intent to move their athletic careers to the next level.

Mason Wolfe will head to Ashland University to play football, Carolyn Miller will be off to compete in cross country and track at Malone University, and Elijah Baldridge will take his talents to AU to play both football and wrestling.

“I think you all know how much time these athletes have put in to become successful at their sport,” West Holmes Athletic Director Adam Brately said to a contingent of well-wishers attending the signing day. “It’s always nice to honor them for taking that next step into their college careers. These three kids have really found success on all kinds of levels.”

While the individuals all achieved greatness in their respective sports, each of them commented on one specific part of their experience that helped them become who they are: their coaches.

“My coaches are so powerful,” Baldridge said. “They taught me about leadership, about being a man, and they were there for me. They were like fathers to me, and they need to get more credit. One thing I can say (to younger kids) is listen to your coaches. They’re there to make you better.”

“I love the leadership of our coaching staff,” Miller said of her cross country coaches. “They were so supportive and encouraging.”

She said she also gained great admiration and love for her teammates who ran alongside her and encouraged her over the years.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be on a team like that,” Miller said. “I always wanted to qualify for state in something, and we finally got that chance, and it was fun becoming the school’s first team to do that.”

“I owe so much to my coaches, from little on up,” Wolfe said. “They drove us, inspired us and taught us the game the right way.”

Carolyn Miller

Miller emerged as one of a handful of talented runners who helped the Lady Knights cross country team reach new heights.

In her junior season, she was one of the varsity members who helped make West Holmes’ first trek to state as a team. One year later she was instrumental in pushing the team back to state.

“Qualifying for the state meet was something I’ll never forget,” Miller said.

She said all of the hard work and experience of running distance made her realize how much joy she gets from the sport.

“I’m excited to continue to run even after college, maybe in some marathons and other races,” Miller said. “I think running in college will teach me a lot more about the sport.”

Miller said she was talked into running cross country in middle school, and once she started, it got in her blood.

Miller will focus on business administration at Malone, noting she would love to come back to Holmes County and operate a business.

Elijah Baldridge

Becoming an All-Ohioan is a monumental accomplishment.

Reaching that status in two sports is unusual, but Knights senior Elijah Baldridge did just that this season, becoming a first-teamer in football and a top four placer in wrestling. Baldridge will wrestle and play football for the Eagles and said playing two sports is a challenge he looks forward to tackling.

“I always saw myself playing two sports,” Baldridge said. “I’ve invested so much. I can’t see myself giving either of them up yet.”

He said getting to wrestle for former West Holmes great and three-time state champion Colt Sponseller will be exciting.

“I’m ready to dig in and go after my goals,” Baldridge said. “It’ll be fun to see where it goes for me. There are two things on my mind, that being schoolwork and being the best football player and wrestler I can be.”

In both sports Baldridge was widely recognized for his passion, leadership and sheer strength. He said he will be the first person in his family to go to college, and that is something of which he is proud.

Baldridge will study exercise science or business at AU.

Mason Wolfe

Wolfe is relishing the chance to play for AU. A true late comer in terms of success, Wolfe led the Knights from his quarterback position to a perfect season and a deep playoff run. In the process he set all kinds of records including becoming the first Knight to be selected as an Ohio Mr. Football candidate.

“I had to be patient,” Wolfe said of getting his chance. “I didn’t like not getting to play my first three years, but I accepted it, kept my head down and kept working.”

His work ethic led him to a senior year for the ages, and he quickly garnered plenty of attention from college coaches hoping to have his skills come to their program.

“That honor only comes from the coaching staff and my teammates being right there with me,” Wolfe said. “It was an honor to be nominated.”

Wolfe was known for both his ability to hit the swing pass and also for his uncanny skill at delivering deep balls to receivers speeding down the field.

He said getting to continue his career with Baldridge will be an added bonus.

“He’s my brother,” Wolfe said. “I don’t think anyone will mess with me because if they do, they’ll have Elijah coming after them. He’s like a kind of protection for me.”

Wolfe will major in accounting at AU.


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