MORGANTOWN – On Friday, five University High student-athletes signed their Letter’s of Intent to play collegiate athletics at their various college/universities.
The five names, including college choice and sport are listed below:
Track and Field:
Sierra Lanham, West Liberty University
Daminn Cunningham, West Liberty University
Girls Lacrosse:
Alexis Stewart, University of Virginia-Wise
Alena Arbogast, Bethany College
Swimming:
Frankie McCutchen, Westchester University
Lanham is a sprinter at UHS and says she will continue to compete in the short-distance events. She currently hold multiple school records including the 800M and the long jump. West Liberty was a no-brainer for Lanham.
“I chose West Liberty because track is really important to me and I see all the athletes as family there,” said Lanham. “A lot of colleges just see their athletes as athletes, but West Liberty really showed me that they see their athletes as family as well which drew me to them. The coaches care about mental health as well as physical health.”
Alexis Stewart didn’t plan to play lacrosse in college, originally. It wasn’t until she got a little exposure to colleges and college coaches that she began showing interest.
“UVA Wise seems like a perfect fit for me, it’s division II which means I will be getting both athletic and academic scholarships,” Stewart said of her decision. “I met the team and had a mentor and everything was great. The coaches are personable and they made it feel like a second home.”
Frankie McCutchen won a state title in the pool this season in the 500-meter event. He continues on to swim for Westchester University in Pennsylvania.
“Westchester was a great area and program. The coaches and team culture is a great fit for me,” said the UHS state champion. “I felt like I connected with the coaches and their philosophies. I met everyone and felt a connection immediately.”
Alena Arbogast becomes the second Hawk to sign for Bethany to play girls lacrosse. She says having someone to share the journey will help make her more comfortable on campus.
“I love the atmosphere of a smaller school and Bethany truly feels like a family,” Arbogast said. “I think being closer to home helped my decision because I have a dog and I’ll be able to go back and see my dog all the time.”
Finally, Daminn Cunningham became the second signee for the Hilltoppers track and field team alongside teammate Lanham.
“I didn’t really get to visit a lot of school, but West Lib was one I went to,” he said. “The coaches really looked out for me as a person and not just an athlete. They also came to my football games and supported me there too which meant a lot.”
Congratulations to all UHS student-athletes on signing to continue their athletic and academic careers.
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