Six student-athletes from Cypress High participated in the National Signing Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the Centurion Theater where parents and coaches gathered to celebrate the achievement.
Six student-athletes from Cypress High participated in the National Signing Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the Centurion Theater where parents and coaches gathered to celebrate the achievement.
“We usually have about five or six who take part,” said Cypress High Vice Principal Chuck Hernandez, who announced the signees by reading their past accomplishments and future schools. “We will get some more in the spring – those who are undecided or still don’t have offers.”
The Centurions baseball program, which captured last year’s CIF crown, had three players attend and commit. That list includes Elijah Skipps (University of Arizona), Joseph Mercado (St. Mary’s College) and Trevor Hall (Cal State Long Beach). They helped the team compile an impressive 28-6 overall record while winning the Empire League with a 4-2 record to edge Tustin.
Hall, a 6-3 tall pitcher, throws right-handed. He went the distance in the semifinal round of the playoffs, shrugging off an error to help the Centurions win the crown.
Skipps, who stands at 6-3 and throws right-handed, primarily plays in the outfield. He also switch hits.
Mercado served as a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher. He averages 85 MPH with his fastball and threw some clutch innings with the Centurions, especially during the playoffs.
As for the other signees, tennis player Elyse Pham attended the ceremony and participated, but did not sign with a school. Pham has already received several offers. The list of schools that have courted her include MIT, Harvey Mudd and Claremont McKenna. Pham survived the first round of the CIF state playoffs, surviving a three-set match. She then fell in the next round, which ended her season.
The other two females who signed do know where they want to attend college. Softball player Allie Wood will lend her talents to the University of Iowa. Golfer Christabelle Kim will go to Dominion University.
Last year, Cypress High had the most participants in history. Yes, 12 students signed.
“That was incredible,” Hernandez said. “We usually don’t come close to that number.”
