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Norfolk Academy held its spring student-athlete college signing ceremony on May 2, celebrating four seniors who will be competing at the next level: Joey Clarkson, Nate DeLorenzo, Ben Lagow, and Logan Lyle.

Academy's ceremony in the Landmark room highlighted not only the athletic feats of the four, but their academic successes and growth. The student-athletes spoke, thanking their families, teacher-coaches, Academy's College Counseling team, and so many more people who have helped them along the way.

Director of Athletics Chad Byler congratulated them on their resilience and determination amid the worldwide pandemic.

“Over the past two and a half years your journey has been quite challenging to say the least," Mr. Byler said. “You have overcome these obstacles."

College Counselor Steve Monninger, who also is Director of Fitness, Strength, and Conditioning, and coach of the football team, reminded the student-athletes of the work they've put in and will need to continue to put in at the next level. 

“You have done such an amazing job," he said. “Rely on the values of work ethic, grit, and mental toughness that you have already demonstrated at Norfolk Academy."

Clarkson, who will swim at Franklin and Marshall College, thanked his family and also Academy Swimming Coach Kristen Kirkman. “I will definitely miss the winter seasons with my Dogs," he said.

DeLorenzo, who will play football at Gettysburg College, played three sports for six straight years at Academy. He recalled not being able to sleep he was so excited before his first football practice back in seventh grade. He thanked his parents, teammates, and coaches - including Mr. Monninger, his varsity football coach - for helping him grow since that time. “Any challenges and adversity I face in college I'll be able to overcome thanks to them," he said.

Lagow, who will play lacrosse at Hampden-Sydney College, thanked his family, coaches and teachers for their support. Ryan Tucker is Academy's varsity boys lacrosse head coach. “Every single one of them has played a part in my development," he said.

Lyle, who will row at Loyola University in Maryland, thanked his family, friends, and coaches. He said crew coach Katie Roberts was the reason he continued rowing, and said wrestling coaches Chris Runzo and Nick Rahall were like father figures. “This is just the first step in the next chapter of my life," he said.

In all, 10 Bulldogs will begin competing in college in the fall. Academy held another ceremony last November for the other six student-athletes.

Read more about Academy's fall signing ceremony.