Linfield Christian had ten student-athletes sign their NLIs in front of students, faculty, and parents at their annual Spring Signing Day event on Tuesday, April 20th.
“In this group, I see faces of Linfield student athletes who represent the following three values,” said Linfield Christian Athletic Director Waheed Mitchell as he addressed the students prior to the signing. “The first value is character: through mission trips, leaders on their teams and campus, and the pursuit of Christ in their individual lives.” Mitchell went on to mention the student-athletes involvement in the community through service projects and team bonding, as well as their victories, not only through league and CIF championships, but in overcoming challenges and hardships, especially in the past year. “In order that…They may be victorious in their athletic and life pursuits,” said Mitchell, referencing the Linfield Christian Athletics mission statement.
Mitchell went on to speak about each athlete individually:
SCUDDER SINCLAIR – Cross Country/Track & Field at Wayland Baptist University
Scudder’s personal best times in both cross country and track have left a mark in the Linfield record books including, cross country 3 mile time of 15:59 which is 2nd all time in Linfield history, track 1600 time of 4:44 (3rd all time), and track 3200 time of 10:04 (2nd all time). Scudder holds the school record in the 5k with a time of 16:54. He also received 1st Team All-League Honors as a junior. Linfield Head Cross Country Coach James Adams had this to say about Scudder, “Scudder brings a tremendous amount of energy to the team that is contagious. He races very hard and is very competitive – I look forward to watching him excel at the collegiate level at Wayland Baptist!”
KLOE PARSONS – Cross Country/Track & Field at Ouachita Baptist University
Kloe competed in her first cross country season with the Lions just a few months ago, achieving her personal best 3 mile time of 22:58. Her strength is track & field and we are excited to see all that she will accomplish in this year’s track season. Coach Adams had this to say about Kloe “ Kloe always has a great attitude, is a great communicator and works really hard each day. Her best years of running are ahead of her and I’m so glad she will continue with the sport at the collegiate level.”
CALEB POWELL – Football at University of Jamestown
In his two years as a Lion, Caleb has averaged just under 4 tackles a game and totaled 20 solo tackles and 39 total tackles. Linfield Head Football Coach Dechon Burns had this to say about Caleb, “Caleb, it’s been a whirlwind, it seems like yesterday you were coming to campus and making a very big decision. New School, Team, Coach and environment. The challenges were there as you had to learn new ways of doing things. It has been a joy to see it all come together. You have been given a great opportunity and the Lord has big plans. You defied the odds and were able to bounce back from a major event. You are on your way to the next chapter and Jamestown is the destination. Go conquer it and do all you have been gifted to do. It’s the Linfield way and you are a Lion!! Congrats Caleb on signing to the University of Jamestown and playing football.”
BRYE LIGHON – Football at University of Las Vegas Nevada (UNLV)
In his three years as a Lion, Brye has played in 25 games, made 47 solo tackles and 92 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, and scored 13 touchdowns. Coach Burns had this to say about Brye, “We have watched your journey the past 3 years and could not be happier for you. This road is not easy and it requires sacrifices and hard work. You have put yourself in position to further your education and continue to play. Cherish these moments and give it all you have. Watching your skills develop has been a joy, blessing, and honor. As the ones before you have done, go make a statement at the next level. God is the driver, so ride with obedience and determination to reach the destination. Congrats to you Brye!! GO UNLV REBELS.”
LACEY FRANKLIN – Beach Volleyball at Corban University
Even though Lacey didn’t get to compete in games this year, she still made an impact in practices and in the lives of her teammates who describe her as positive, uplifting, and encouraging. Lacey is driven with a focus and intensity that many players desire to have. She is the first to shout your name and celebrate after you make a great play and the type of teammate that isn’t afraid of a challenge. Linfield Head Volleyball Coach Jessica Hagan had this to say about Lacey, “Although I just met Lacey this year, she has quickly become an important element to our team. Lacey is an incredibly hard worker and is always striving to motivate others. I look forward to this exciting new chapter and pray that God’s presence continues to shine through her.”
DONOVAN COX – Basketball at George Fox University
Just seven games into his senior season, Donovan has scored 120 points, is averaging 17.1 points a game, and he’s totaled 34 rebounds and 29 assists. Currently in his two-year career as a Lion, Donovan has totaled 485 points, 107 rebounds, and 140 assists. He also holds the school record in both free-throw percentage (81%) and most assists in a game (10). Donovan received 1st Team All-League, All-CIF, and All-State honors last year. Linfield Head Boys Basketball Waheed Mitchell had this to say about Donovan, “Donovan, you are a leader on and off the floor. It has been a pleasure to coach you and watch you mature as an athlete and a young man. Your hard work and dedication to your craft has paid off and I am extremely excited to watch you continue your journey athletically and academically at George Fox University.”
JEREMIAH MINEGAR – Basketball at University of Northwestern, St. Paul
Just seven games into his senior season, Jeremiah has scored 117 points, is averaging 16.7 points a game, and he’s totaled 30 rebounds and 10 steals. Currently, in his two-year career as a Lion, Jeremiah has totaled 529 points, 142 rebounds, and 43 steals. He also holds the school record in both average points per game (20.6) and most points in a game (42). Jeremiah received 1st Team All-League and All-CIF honors last year. Coach Mitchell had this to say about Jeremiah, “Jeremiah, you are a quiet leader, who leads by example day in and day out. Watching you grow throughout the years has truly been a blessing. As a coach you know you have a special one when you don’t have to coach effort. I never had to coach effort with you, in fact I find myself telling you to slow down. University of Northwestern St. Paul is getting a special player, and most importantly a special person.”
FAITH HASTEY – Club Soccer at Grand Canyon University
Faith currently has 7 goals this season, and 30 so far in her four-year career as a Lion. She also received 2nd Team All-League honors as a sophomore. Linfield Head Girls Soccer Coach Angela Hernandez had this to say about Faith, “Faith has been a joy to coach for the past four years. From her constant smile to her work rate and talent as a player, Faith always finds a way to pick up her teammates and make those around her better. She is an amazing young woman with a bright future ahead of her and I am honored to have been her coach.”
HEIDI MARSHALL – Soccer at Kent State University
Heidi currently has 25 saves this season and 64 so far in her two-year career as a Lion. Coach Hernandez had this to say about Heidi, “Heidi is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever met. She is dedicated and reliable in all that she does, and is an incredibly talented goal keeper. I am honored and beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to coach her over the past two years. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter has in store.”
JARED BARTEK – Baseball at University of La Verne
Currently, in his senior season, Jared has tallied 13 hits, 1 being a triple, .464 batting average, his 28 at-bats lead the team, he has a perfect fielding percentage in 20 chances and currently has a 2.27 ERA, striking out 7 batters. In his 4-year career as a Lion, Jared has 29 hits and 20 RBIs, .349 batting average, .905 fielding percentage, and 48 strikeouts. Linfield Head Baseball Coach Kyle Owsley had this to say about Jared, “Meeting Jared as a sophomore, in the fall of 2018, I couldn’t be more proud of the student, player, and man of God he’s become, today. He has stepped up as a leader in our baseball program. He leads his peers and mentors our underclassmen. It has been a joy coaching Jared. He will certainly be missed, and we wish him nothing but the best and continued success in this next step of his journey.”
Just before the countdown began, Spanish teacher Nick Ortega prayed for the athletes as they start a new chapter of their lives. Parents, faculty, and students all counted down and the athletes signed their NLIs!
Congratulation to the Linfield Christian 2021 Athlete Signing Class!
