DeMatha's Signing Day a Multi-Sport Affair

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Stags from various sports simulate Letter of Intent submission.

November 11, 2009 - Today was a celebration of sport at DeMatha Catholic High School, as the schoo's library was filled to near-capacity this afternoon. No, it wasn't a college fair or financial aid workshop; four of the school's athletic programs were announcing the letter of intent submissions of senior student athletes.

Everybody is familiar with DeMatha's basketball team, and more on its future college players will be presented later. First, ink must be given to guys on some of the less glamourous teams, hockey, wrestling, and lacrosse.

Casey Thrush was first. His committment to New Hampshire was unique in that he is the first in DeMatha history to sign during the school year. Pat Prada, a 125-20 record, three time All-American wrestler announced his commitment to Navy next.

Following him were a trio of lacrosse standouts - Pat Harbeson, Paul Harrison and Phil Poe, who will attend UVA, Drexel and UMBC, respectively. all three were four year varsity players at DeMatha.

Now on to the hoopers, who are the 32nd, 33rd and 34th players to receive college scholarhips under the tenure of head coach, Mike Jones.

First there was Justin Black, who will play guard at North Carolina A&T. Jones, labeled Justin "a system player", one that moved to the area during seventh grade. Black shared he picked A&T in part because "the coaching staff was the most active in recruiting me". Justin noted head coach Jerry Eaves and his assistant, Walter Booth as central to that process, and he greatly anticipates the academic an social atmoshpere present at A&T.

Next to mock sign (the actual documents were executed earlier) was Jerian Grant, who will troll the backcourt for Notre Dame. He's the fourth DeMatha student athlete to decide being a Domer was for him, the last being Adrian Dantley in 1973, while Bob Whitmore was first.

Last but not least was Victor Oladipo, another guard. Oladipo is a trail blazer of sorts, given his status as the first also a guard, is the first Stag to decide Indiana is where he will play college basketball. Grant was a produce of DeMatha's neighbor, St. Jerome School.

Check out the following pictures, and be sure to follow these young men on the pages of i95Ballerz.com, past and present. Their families - direct, extended and basketball - should be lauded for raising them.

(l.to.r) Justin Black, Jerian Grant and Vic Oladipo don the caps of their future schools.

Pat Prada, wrestling standout (right).

Hockey palyer Casey Thrush.

Pat Harbeson, Paul Harriosn and Phil Poe (l.to.r), all future scholarship athletes playing lacrosse in college.