In two signing ceremonies in December and February parents, family, faculty, coaches and students gathered in the Estes Athletic Center to celebrate four Trinity seniors as they officially commit to competing in intercollegiate athletics next year.
Jeremy Singleton ’20 (football) — University of Richmond
Blake Keller ’20 (football) — Clarion University
Mary-Catherine Petrucelli ’20 (soccer) — Roanoke College
Jalen “Mouse” Smith ’20 (football) — Clarion University
Coaches shared words of praise, appreciation and anticipation of more great things to come for the group of Trinity student leaders and their extended families who have committed so much time toward the pursuit of excellence both on and off the playing field.
Sam Mickens, head football coach, reflected on the tremendous growth and leadership shown by Jeremy Singleton over his high school career. “By his junior year, there were times in the game when he was absolutely dominant on the field,” said Mickens, “but the thing I will miss the most is his leadership of younger players on the team… Our program is better for having you in it. You're leaving this program better than when you got here.”
Mickens said Blake Keller had redefined what it meant to be a receiver for Trinity. “Last year, he had 12 touchdowns on only 30 touches; he’s an electrifying player,” said Mickens. “But more than that, he became a steady, team-first player as we went through the year. That says a lot about his character, and I am proud of him for doing so."
The coach then called Jalen "Mouse" Smith one of the toughest, most hard-working players he’s ever coached. “He has a lot of highlights, but you don't see the hard work that it takes to get to that point,” said Mickens. “He really set the tone for the work ethic and how you go about your business on a day to day basis. He was a ‘do-everything’ player for our team this year.”
Rick Hamlin '96, girls varsity soccer head coach reflected on the “audacity, improvement and leadership” shown by Mary-Catherine Petrucelli both on and off the soccer field over the past four years. In her junior season Petrucelli averaged nearly one goal scored per game. “She tries stuff on the field — moves, shots, passes — that no one else would try,” said Hamlin, “but there are things she has done off the field that people don't see. She put in the extra work to continue her progression as a player.”