MARION, Ill (WSIL) 鈥� It was a day packed with pride, passion, and plenty of applause at Marion High School鈥檚 Cuss Wilson Gym on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, as 16 student-athletes made their college dreams official鈥攕igning their National Letters of Intent to continue competing at the next level.
From wrestling to fishing, track to soccer, the gym roared with cheers as friends, family, coaches, and teammates gathered to celebrate the hard work and dedication of Marion鈥檚 standout athletes.
鈥淭hanks to our high school for doing this,鈥� said junior bass fishing champ Landon Gabby. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great thing they鈥檝e done to showcase the athletes they鈥檝e got鈥� it鈥檚 really amazing.鈥�
These 16 signings marked not just a personal milestone for each athlete鈥攂ut a proud moment for the entire community.
鈥淚t was really nice to recognize my coaches who helped me get to this point,鈥� said Kyra Graham, a senior headed to continue her soccer career.
鈥淚 just love my team,鈥� said Brenna Stearns, a senior track and field athlete. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e all so uplifting and supportive鈥攅specially my relay team. They push me to be the best I can be.鈥�
Each athlete took their moment at the signing table, committing to schools where they鈥檒l carry not only their skills, but the legacy of Marion High School with them.
These student athletes proved that success isn鈥檛 just about where you鈥檙e going鈥攊t鈥檚 about where you come from; and they say they'll always carry their Wildcat pride.
Congratulations to the entire Class of 2025 signees!
Landon Gabby, BASS, University of Northern Alabama (JR)
Carson Hunter, Football, Greenville College
Kolby Baker, BASS, Wabash Valley
Chase Niemeyer, Baseball, John A. Logan
Race Hickey, Basketball, Rend Lake College
Evan Dailey, XC - Track & Field, Vincennes University
Landon Gabby, Bass Fishing, Northern Alabama (Only a Junior)
Valerie Bergman, Girls Tennis, Kaskaskia College
Reece Anthony, Baseball, Marion Military Institute
Avery Wolfe, Volleyball, Frontier College
Kyra Graham, Girls Soccer, Trine University
Carter Lang, Baseball, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy St. Louis
Drew Vaughn, Baseball, Marion Military Institute
Brenna Stearns, Track & Field, Lindenwood University
Olivia McDermott, Wrestling, McKendree University
Ethan Simmons, Basketball, John A. Logan
Ryan Calonne, Football, McKendree University
