by Preston McConnell |

The Athletics Program puts many kids into college sports every year. With the great coaching staffs and hard work and dedication from all the players, it is only bound to happen.

“To play college sports you have to be able to compete at the varsity level, have good grades, have the passion for the sport, the want to succeed and the skill level,” Football Coach Chad Frigon said.

Many students of LHS just signed their rights to play collegiate sports on National Signing Day, February 6.

Many students are excited about what their futures hold and where they could be in the upcoming years.

Senior Haley Baldridge, who is a two-time winner of the state championship for soccer,  committed to Western Kentucky University “I’m excited about my what my future holds for me.” said Baldridge. “I report to them sometime in August.”

There are many ways to be seen and noticed by colleges. First, they can be seen through sport showcases around the country where athletes go show the scouts their abilities and talents. Showcases are typically done through Club Teams in the off-season of the school season. Another method is when athletes get seen through their performance during the school season. Scouts and coaches may email the athletes, call or come visit them during school.

“They came and talked to me at the high school,” senior Eric Greely Jr. said about coaches from Missouri State. He committed to Missouri State for football. He received an athletic scholarship.

“The coaches found me and emailed me about my times and said I would be competitive in their conference and asked if I would be interested,” senior Katherine Kuhlman said.

Many athletes from LHS revived multiple options for which colleges they could attend, making this decision can be a struggle and for sure life changing. Although, the LHS bunch did not have much of a problem. “It was a pretty set decision.” Kuhlman said. “Peperdine had the major I wanted and the location I wanted. It’s in Malibu, California,”

“It took me about a month to make my final decision, over the summer I went and visited,” Winfrey said about Wichita State.

Becoming a college athlete can be a tough step for some athletes but the students from Liberty aren’t too worried about it. The schools give some summer workouts and/or goals for the athletes to try to reach by the end of the summer or before the season.

“I have a summer weight lifting program (the coaches) want me to do.” Greely Jr. said. “It is a big jump because everyone is stronger and faster at the college level.”

Others are aware of the jump and the different location the players are from that they will be playing.

“The jump will be pretty big, kids from the southern coast and everyone else will just make it harder,” Winfrey said.

Each one is looking forward to the higher level of competition.

“Going to a D1 school, everyone will be on my level and everyone will be able to compete for a spot,” Kuhlman said.

Keep up the good hard work Blue Jays! Congratulations!