TENNERTON – Buckhannon-Upshur High School held a special signing ceremony for seven student-athletes who will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. They are:
SHAWN BLANDINO
College: Marshall University
Sport: Track and Field
Major: Undecided
Why he chose Marshall: “I think Marshall will provide me with the most opportunities. I think I can get more out of it than going to a small Division II school. I will compete in whatever Marshall wants me to run. I went down for an indoor meet and took a tour of the campus. Since then I have been in contact with the coaching staff on a weekly basis. It’s nice to stay in state and it still feels a little bit like home.”
ELIJAH BRYANT
College: University of Pikeville (Ky.)
Sport: Archery
Major: Undecided
Why he chose the University of Pikeville: “They have been talking to me for a while. When I was sophomore they incorrectly thought I was a senior so I have been in contact with them for three years now. I grew up with their archery coach and I really like him. I like being able to go to college out of state but at the same time it is not that far away where my family can still see me perform. It means a lot that I can be able to do this at the college level.”
KENDALL CURRENCE
College: Davis & Elkins College
Sport: Basketball
Major: Nursing
Why she chose Davis & Elkins College: “I took a visit to the campus and really liked how everything was laid out, but I also loved the environment around the basketball team and head coach. It’s not too far from home. I had a couple other options, but it just felt more like home. It means a lot that my family can watch me and play and be close by. I am excited to be able to take my game to the next level.”
JORDAN GILLUM
College: Marshall University
Sports: Cross Country and Track and Field
Major: Commercial Aviation
Why he chose Marshall: “My family reached out to Marshall and I was able to take a tour and they offered me a scholarship. I knew it was the school for me. It means a lot to state in state. I was going to go to Alabama, but I like that I am only three hours away and my parents and friends can watch me perform.”
TAYLOR GIVEN
College: University of Charleston
Sport: Cheerleading
Major: Radiologic Science
Why she chose the University of Charleston: “I heard great things about UC’s Radiologic Science program so I took a tour of the campus and just fell in love with it. I started cheering in fifth grade and I am so excited that I am going to be able to cheer at the next level.”
CATHERINE “CAT” NEELY
College: West Liberty University
Sport: Track and Field
Major: Zoo Science
Why she chose West Liberty University: “Originally I was looking at some out of state schools but I decided those were too far from home. My best friend was being scouted by West Liberty so I thought we should just go. She signed and I started to talk to their coach and took a visit. I was able to meet some of the team and they were so welcoming. It’s only 2 1/2 hours away so it’s far enough away from home but close enough to being home as well.”
JESSICA WILLIAMS
College: West Virginia Wesleyan College
Sports: Cross Country and Track and Field
Major: Computer Science
Why she chose West Virginia Wesleyan College: “My sister goes there and I can commute from home and still stay at home. Free food and free laundry. When I toured Wesleyan I was able to meet a lot of the cross country and track and field runners. They were really nice and they were very welcoming and kind. I like staying in Buckhannon and being familiar with everything. I know I am never alone when I am home.”
