Blinking into the afternoon sun in the Park City High School cafeteria, five Miners athletes and their family, friends and coaches gathered for their college sports commitment ceremony.
Park City High baseball player Joey Breza has committed to Redlands University and football players Charlie Cusimano to Wesleyan University, Cole Morgan to Union College, Niko Morgan to Santa Monica City College and Ben Souza to Fort Lewis College.
The athletes put pen to paper on celebratory forms, posed for photos with their loved ones and mingled. Park City High put to use a new commitment ceremony backdrop that features a refreshed logo and crisp red, black and white colors.
The ceremony is Park City High’s second in the span of a week, with track and field athlete Sierra Darling committing to Yale, football player Tanner Pidwell to Dartmouth and volleyball player Sabine Smith to MIT on Friday.
Wednesday’s athletes talked about why they chose their colleges, how much the ceremony meant to them, and what they believe their commitments mean to their Park City High athletic programs.
What made you decide on committing to your specific school to continue your academic and athletic careers?
Niko (Santa Monica City College): “It’s a nice school, great school. Some of the statistics are great. Awesome coaching staff. They believe in me. Awesome place to live and stay. I think they put a lot of trust in me, and (we’ll) see what I can do. I think it’s going to be a great fit.”
Souza (Fort Lewis College): “The coaching staff is great. I was out there a couple of weeks ago and met some great guys out there. They seem like they know what they’re doing, and are going through a rebuild right now. Awesome facilities.”
Cole (Union College): “Amazing coaching staff. … They’re coming off of the championship, so we’re going to keep building off that and hopefully get another one this next year. Really love it over there.”
Breza (Redlands University): “I went to see the campus, and it blew me away. It was amazing. All the facilities were super nice, and me and the coaching staff just had a great connection.”
Cusimano (Wesleyan University): “Wesleyan just came off a NESCAC Championship, so I’m super, super excited to win another one next year. And they’ve got some great academic resources there. Should be great for my future.”
What did it mean to be able to commit today in front of your family, friends and coaches?
Niko: “It’s a great feeling to get the process over with. It’s always something I’ve dreamed of, playing at the next level. It’s awesome.”
Souza: “Was awesome to be in front of my community, friends and family, and sign in front of them.”
Cole: “Love to see everyone come out. It’s awesome to be able to sign in front of my community that served me so much support when I was injured this year.”
Breza: “It’s great. I have my senior season coming up, unlike the other guys that are committed for football. So I’m just excited to get the weight off my shoulders and have a great senior season.”
Cusimano: “It’s cool seeing all the buddies that we used to play youth sports with and the coaches as well. So, super awesome.”
What do you feel your commitment today says about the state of your program at Park City High and sports in this town?
Niko: “Signing here with all the fellas today is awesome. Our program pushes a lot of people to the next level, no matter where it is. So it means a lot to all the coaches like (Josh) Monzingo, who pushes many people to be their greatest, and my family, too. Also grateful for them. They pushed me to be who I am today.”
Souza: “It’s awesome. The coaches here are great. They helped me be the person I am today, all the way from youth (football). Nico’s dad, Rico, helped me out.”
Cole: “Program’s competitive, makes you compete, show off what you can do and get your skill set better. Amazing program.”
Breza: “Signing in front of my friends and family was a great feeling. I’m excited to get the weight off my shoulders for this season. I think it really shows that Park City baseball produces a lot of great guys. … I think we’re going to be a really good team going forward.”
Cusimano: “I think it shows a lot about our school and community. A lot of athletes are driven to be successful on the field and in the classroom, as well. I think it shows a lot about our work ethic here.”
What have been some favorite memories playing sports or going to school at Park City High, or playing sports elsewhere in town?
Niko: “Winning our championships in youth ball with all the boys was great.”
Souza: “Spending time with all my friends. Putting in work day in, day out in the summer is awesome. Turning up in the weight room with the fellas.”