Four student athletes signed letters of intent Wednesday morning in the library to cement the next stage in their athletic and academic careers. The students were joined by parents, coaches, and friends to celebrate their achievements.

“It’s just one more step in their education process, and any time that athletics can be a part of that and help pay for it what a great opportunity for the kids,” head athletics director Chris Burtch said. “It gives all the these other guys that came in here, especially underclassman, a thought of if I work hard, that could be me.”

Senior football player Grant Buss signed to continue his football career at Colorado School of Mines in the fall, to study mechanical engineering , and senior safety Griffin Collins signed to continue to play football at Cornell University.

“It’s a great feeling,” Buss said. “I’m happy to have committed to play football at Mines and to go to school there as well, it’s very relieving.”

On the girls side, Kaci Parks and Elizabeth Boseman signed with Dallas Baptist University and Illinois Wesleyan University respectively, to further their soccer careers.

“I feel relieved, and I’m just excited to play soccer for four more years,” Parks said. “I have less stress now because I’m already in, so go Patriots.”