Four senior athletes signed to colleges on February 5th, also known as National Signing Day, in the Lindale High School Performing Arts Center (PAC). When a high school athlete signs to a college, they are making a commitment to play for their sports team in exchange for financial aid or benefits.
“National Signing Day is always one of our favorite days of the year,” Principal Jeremy Chelik said. “Celebrating our student-athletes and their accomplishments is something we cherish. We are excited to see what these three individuals do at the next level in the years to come.”
Senior Callie Schmidt signed to Hill College, located in Hillsboro, TX.
“I just really love the atmosphere and the people on the campus at Hill College,” Schmidt said. “The coach was really nice and I’m excited to get to play there.”
She plans to play volleyball on their varsity team. Hill college is known for its volleyball program and has in the past been Division 1 champions.
“I’m very excited to get to play at Hill college, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.” Schmidt said. “I am also just excited to keep on playing the sport that I love.”
Schmidt was the captain of the Lindale varsity volleyball team this year. She played the position of Defensive Specialist (DS).
“I loved playing volleyball for Lindale,” Schmidt said. “It really gave me all my best friends playing volleyball, and it taught me how to be a leader and a teammate. It also taught me a lot of valuable lessons.”
Senior Kensie McClenny signed to the University of Arkansas in Monticello, AR.
“I met the team and the coach at the University of Arkansas and they were very nice and just so welcoming,” McClenny said. “I just felt like I was at home going there, so I think it’s a good place for me.”
McClenny signed to play on their golf team. The college’s program repeatedly has students in the top 200-300 players in the Nation.
“I think play golf for them is going to be an amazing opportunity,” McClenny said. “Hopefully I’ll get to play a lot and get to travel and be a food competitor.”
McClenny has played for Lindale since her freshman year when she made it to varsity in the number one spot. She has gone to state since her freshman year and her junior year she placed 9th in the state of Texas.
“Kensie has the sweetest personality and the biggest heart, and everyone that knows her will know that’s true about her,” golf coach Lindsey Kelly said. “She brought this work ethic and this drive and this spirit to the team that had been missing for a while. All the other girls around her started to work harder because of her.”
Senior Seth Baggett signed to Tyler Junior College (T.J.C.) in Tyler TX.
“I like the fact that T.J.C. is local the most,” Baggett said. “I also love the coaches there and it’s just very close to family and friends.”
Baggett signed to play football for T.J.C’s team, the Appachies, as a kicker.
“I”m very excited to play football for T.J.C.,” Baggett said. “I love the atmosphere there and get to go to a new level of football.”
Baggett played football at Lindale as a kicker and punter in the varsity team.
“Playing at Lindale has prepared me in many ways,” Baggett said. “Coach Cochran put me in a very good situation to bring me to the next level.”
Baggett contributed 238 total points in his high school career as a kicker/punter and had 81% accuracy in his kicks.
“I don’t know if Seth ever had a bad day, and he’s always extremely respectful to anyone he comes in contact with,” head football coach Chris Cochran said. “Seth was a weapon, and he used him like a weapon for Lindale. He was an unbelievable teammate, and could always settle in right in the middle of the team and was always willing to help.”
Senior Trey Rozell signed to Henderson State in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
“The culture at Henderson state was pretty much the same as Lindale,” Rozell said. “I think I could flourish and grow there as an athlete and a student.”
Rozell signed to play football on Henderson’s football team called the Reddies.
“It’s a great feeling to know I’ll play football at Hernderson,” Rozell said. “Its been something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. I think it’s just another great opportunity to get better at playing in college.”
Rozell played varsity football at Lindale. He played as an Offensive and Defensive lineman.
“Lindale is a great environment,” Rozell said. “Coaches are always pulling you forward for your best interest, and they always make you better. They’re gonna want to give you 100% of them, so you have to give 100% of yourself.”
Rozell is a First Team All District offensive lineman. He had 24 career starts in high school and of those had an 83% overall grade, which is greatly above the average grade for athletes and considered a good stat.
“Trey always takes care of business in and out of the classroom, and no one ever has a problem with him,” Cochran said. “He’s alway set a really good example, which is what we’re looking for in an athlete.”
