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Sheppard.Masuk Honors Future College Athletes on Signing Day 
On Wednesday March 18th, Masuk held their third signing day this year. With six athletes being recognized, it was a memorable afternoon for both the parents and athletes. The six athletes that were recognized were Ethan Fonck, who will be playing baseball at Western Connecticut State University next fall, Jerson Perez who will also be playing baseball next fall at University of Hartford, Steven Curtin will be playing baseball at Eastern Connecticut State University, Jake Viglione playing lacrosse at Roanoke next year, Grace Sheppard who will be playing basketball at Fitchburg State, and Nathan Archer who will be playing football and University of New Haven. All athletes have worked extremely hard to get where they are today and it shows as a college athlete. 

Before the ceremony, athletic director, Brian Hourigan gave a speech honoring the athletes on their hard work and dedication to Masuk athletics, “as a former Masuk athlete, you guys make me so proud… you represent all of us and we are so proud,” said Hourigan to all. He spoke about how difficult it is to be a student athlete and the significance of taking it to the next level for next year. 

Speeches began and each coach talked a little about each athlete sitting on the panel. They started with Grace Sheppard. Her basketball coach Daniel Young spoke about her with many positive aspects. Sheppard chose Fitchburg State for many reasons, “ I liked the coach, the school overall, the team, and it had a good program for my major of exercise science, on the PT track,” said Sheppard. This day was a clear show of hard work throughout many years for all the athletes, “ I’ve worked really hard to get to this moment. I appreciate all the work that my coaches have put into my skills as a player and I’m excited to see how the future will go,” said Sheppard.

Perez has played on the baseball team for all 4 years of high school. Coach Hourigan spoke very highly of him. “He’s the heart and soul of our team… he’s willing to do anything that the team needs of him” said Hourigan explaining how Perez would do anything for a coach or player whether it be any task. “ I would rank him as a top 3 attitude of person i’ve ever met… when you’re in his presence, your day gets better…everything will be better once you bring him in.” His good attitude positively reflected the Masuk baseball team and coaches. 

Coach Hourigan also reflected on the two other baseball commits sitting in front of him. Steven Curtin who has also played all four years had a positive impact on Coach as well. “ he’s really cool under pressure… a slow heartbeat that allows him to be really great at baseball” said Hourigan. He spoke more about Curtin explaining impressive statistics from the athlete on the field. Next Ethan Fonck, he added on Fonck’s dependability and many talents, “ He’s that person you can always count on. He has incredible confidence…hes a multi talented young man not only great athlete, but also involved in the arts,” said Hourigan 

Another athlete talked about was Nathan Archer who has done football at Masuk all four years, the head coach of the Masuk football team spoke highly about him, talking about his discipline on and off the field and how he truly deserves to play in college. “As much as we will miss his hard work, we are excited for his future,” said Masuk Head coach Chris Pace. 

This day meant a lot to all the athletes, Archer said , “It means a lot, it’s a big step forward compared to a few years ago, I never throught I’d make it this far,” Archer explained how University of New Haven was the right choice for him due to having former teammates there, “I had 2 former teammates that went to new haven and it was the best decision to go there, because I knew people that go there,” said Archer.

Signing day ended with Hourigan giving closing remarks and pictures with the athletes. Overall it was a positive experience for all who attended reflecting the hard work and dedication each athlete has brought on the court, or field.