WAYNESBORO – Waynesboro Area Senior High School student-athletes who will be competing in a sport or sports in college attended a special College Commitment Signing Photos at the high school, an event organized by WASHS athletic director Eric McIlquham.
The event took place Friday, and more than a dozen senior students had their pictures taken and filled out a form with details about their honors and achievements, their reason for selecting their college or university, their favorite memory, and even their favorite food, song, and restaurant.
Photographers from Pictures Plus, Lee Goodwin from localnews1.org, and friends of the student-athletes and their families, were on hand to mark the occasion with photographs and memories.
Here’s the responses from the student-athletes, beginning with Abby McElroy. McElroy will play softball at Lebanon Valley College, which happens to be the college that her parents Steve and Melissa attended. Steve was a freshman on the 1993-94 NCAA Division III national champion LVC team. Coincidentally, Penn State University men’s basketball head coach Mike Rhoades (Class of 1995) was a star player. Melissa played volleyball.
Abbys’ older sister Libby is a student at Duquesne University.
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ABBY McELROY
College attending: Lebanon Valley College
Sport: Softball
Athletic and academic accolades: First-team District 3 All-Conference; Public Opinion Player of the Week; Penn Live Mid-season Second Team All-Star; Second Team District 3 All-Conference; Highest Female GPA 2024
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? I picked LVC for academics first, and then I picked it for softball. The school has a great academic program, and I love the softball coach as well. The softball team and the school were just the perfect fit for me.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? I am looking forward to earning my master’s in athletic training and being a part of a high-level softball program. I am excited to work hard in academics and in athletics.
What are your goals over the next four years? My goals are to work hard in anything I pursue at school as well as gain as many new experiences as possible.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Ravens and Orioles
Food: ice cream
School subject: science
Memory: Going to districts my sophomore year and bus rides with my teammates
Animal: turtle
Candy: gummy bears
Hobby: Kayaking and camping
Restaurant: Green Turtle
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? I want to thank my dad. He has taught me everything I know in sports and in life. I wouldn’t be anywhere without him. I also want to thank the rest of my family for always supporting me, and Troy and Jeb for making my last high school season great.
ISABELLA RUEFLE
College attending: Millersville University
Sport: Cross country and track and field
Athletic and academic accolades achieved while in high school: National Honor Society, Mid-Penn Cross Country All-Star; Cross Country MVP, 3200-meter run record holder, Frank Keiser Invitational winner
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? It has great coaches and the best athletic scholarship. It’s (NCAA) Division II, in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, a good team atmosphere, great teammates and a great school.
What are you looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? Continuing to improve and running fast, getting my elementary education degree and traveling to good meets.
What are your goals over the next four years? Breaking 19:30 in the 5K.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Steelers
Food: Churros
Song: “The Man,” by Taylor Swift
School subject: History
Memory: Running the 4×8 with my girls, breaking the school 3200-meter record, spaghetti dinners
Animal: giraffe
Candy: Airhead strips
Hobby: Scrapbooking, running
Restaurant: Chipotle
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? My mom, dad, Maddie, 4×8 girls’ coach Witmer, coach Atkinson, college coach
ZOIE SINGREY
College attending: Penn State Mont Alto
Sport: Softball
Athletic and academic accolades achieved while in high school: Honor roll, Athlete of the Week, four-year varsity starter.
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? My major and sport (playing softball). I get to live at home and around all my family while playing the sport I love with some of my friends I already know. Also, because of their amazing physical therapy program.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? Building bonds with new teammates, as well as competing at the next level and finishing my degree I’ve dreamed of living out for years.
What are your goals over the next four years? 1. Excell academically; 2. Continue to improve in my softball skills; 3. Study every day and always put 100 percent in my studies.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Ohio State, Cleveland Indians
Food: Chipotle and cheesecake
Song: “Revival,” by Zach Bryan
School subject: English or gym
Memory: Finishing my senior year and softball season with people I’ve been playing with since I was little.
Animal: Grizzly bear
Candy: Sour gummy worms
Hobby: Traveling
Restaurant: Chipotle
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? My mom, my dad, friends, family, and my travel coach, Michael Silva.
LINCOLN GUNDACKER
College attending: Geneva College
Sport: Golf
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? To grow closer to God and play golf. My sister went to Geneva, and when I would go to visit, I started to fall in love with the campus.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? Building friendships and relationships with teammates and coaches.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Steelers
Food: Chicken sandwiches
Song: “Rivers and Roads,” by Head and the Heart
School subject: Math
Memory: The Blue Ridge days with the boys
Animal: Cat
Hobby: Golf
Restaurant: Montezuma’s
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? I would like to thank my parents and coach (Ryan) Henderson, friends and God.
MASON GOCHENOUR
College attending: Mount Aloysious
Sport: Baseball
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? It just felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus. They also have the program I want to go for my career.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? Meeting new friends along the way.
What are your goals over the next four years? To maintain my classes while balancing baseball at the same time.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Vanderbilt University baseball
Food: Steak and shrimp
Song: “Ghost Town,” by Benson Boone
Animal: Panther
Candy: Tootsie Rolls
Hobby: Baseball
Restaurant: Nikko’s
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting to where you are today? My coaches, my parents, my teammates, and God.
JADA CREAGER
College attending: Mount St. Mary’s University
Sport: Track and field
Athletic and academic accolades while in high school: 2nd Team All-Conference in volleyball; broke pole vault school record (11-6); broke gymnastics vault record (9.8); Honor Roll; Athlete of the Year (2023-2024)
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? It is close to home and it is an amazing university with a bunch of great opportunities.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? I’m looking forward to competing in indoor and outdoor track and field and getting better at running and vaulting. I’m excited to start school and earn a degree and figure out what I want to do with my future.
What are your goals over the next four years? Vault higher and excel academically and athletically.
Who or what is your favorite?
Food: French fries
Song: “Unwritten,” by Natasha Bedingfield
School subject: History
Memory: Breaking the school record and having all of my friends there to support me.
Animal: Panda
Candy: Laffy Taffy
Hobby: Sports
Restaurant: Olive Garden
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? I would like to thank Coach (Jim) Rickett, Coach Tom (Lowry), my mom and dad, and friends.
MACKENZIE MONN
College attending: Wilson College
Sport: Field hockey
Athletic and academic accolades achieved while in high school: High Honor Roll all four years; Defensive Player of the Year; 1st Team Mid-Penn player; started a weightlifting club; President of the weightlifting club.
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? Small college, community environment. The team is really close together.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? The challenges of collegiate field hockey, to grow as a player, learn about the law and experience the team environment.
What are your goals over the next four years? Become an all-conference player.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: University of North Carolina field hockey
Food: Chicken
Song: “Unwritten,” by Natasha Bedingfield
School subject: English
Memory: Scoring my first goal on a penalty shot
Animal: Sloths
Candy: Hershey chocolate
Hobby: Weightlifting
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? Lisa Marshal, Lori Knights
GRACIE FRENCH
College attending: Juniata College
Sport: Soccer, track and field
Athletic and academic accolades achieved while in high school: National Honor Society member; NAHS member, varsity soccer, varsity basketball, varsity track and field; Student Council president; Executive Council vice-president; art and French club treasurer; Second-Team All-Conference soccer; 2022, 2023 district qualifier; distinguished honor roll all four years; Summa cum laude.
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? Good program for my major, a positive environment. I felt as though I would be happy there, and the sports teams would be a good fit for me.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? The friends and experiences I’ll make at my next step, getting to play for four more years.
What are your goals over the next four years? To continue high achievements and maintain good grades along with performing well in my sports.
Whor or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Brazil soccer
Food: Hog maw
Song: “Me and Julio Down by the School Yard,” by Paul Simon
School subject: Science-biology
Memory: Penn State main campus in the rain for soccer
Animal: Honey badger
Candy: Buckeyes
Hobby: Hiking
Restaurant: Taverna Siso
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting to where you are today? My parents, my siblings, my coaches, my friends, and my amazing teammates.
KELLAN SMITH
College attending: Frederick Community College
Sport: Baseball
Athletic and academic accolades achieved while in high school: Honor roll.
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? They are good at baseball, and I like the coach, and figuring out what I want to study.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? A new baseball team and meeting new people and teammates.
What are your goals over the next four years? To transfer to a four-year school and finish my degree and play baseball.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Steelers
Food: Pizza
School subject: Anatomy and physiology
Animal: Dog
Candy: Nerds
Hobby: Snowboarding and working on the farm with my Pap.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? Mom, dad, and all my coaches over the years.
TRUE BENSHOFF
College attending: Hagerstown Community College
Sport: Soccer, track and field
Athletic and academic accolades achieved while in high school: 2022 district medalist in track; 2022 state qualifier; 2023 district qualifier; 2023 United States Marine Corps distinguished athletic award; 2023 First Team All-Conference in soccer.
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? I chose this school because it is local and affordable. It will also help me advance in sports, and I will hopefully transfer to a Division I school.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? I am most looking forward to playing a higher level of soccer and meeting my new team. I am also excited to meet my track coach and better myself in those sports.
What are your goals over the next four years? To complete my two years at HCC with fun and successful memories and then transfer to DI and complete my college experience.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Brazil national soccer team
Food: Ice cream cake or fries
Song: “Anything Could Happen,” by Elli Goulding
School subject: Art
Memory: Beach trips to New Jersey with my family
Animal: Dogs
Candy: Chocolate
Hobby: Snowboarding, surfing
Restaurant: Montezuma’s
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? My parents and siblings
NOAH BOCKSTIE
College attending: Hagerstown Community College
Sport: Cross country, track and field
Athletic and academic accolades achieved while in high school: Honor Roll, Most Valuable Player (cross country); created a YouTube channel with 78 thousand subscribers.
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? Good coaching, good people
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? To pass my classes, fun times, and getting into a D1 college.
What are your goals over the next four years? Become a great runner, graduate college.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Ravens
Food: Ice cream (mint)( mac and cheese
Song: “Leave the Door Open,” by Bruno Mars
School subject: PE
Memory: Making districts for cross country and Mid-Penns for track and field in the mile and two-mile
Animal: Cheetah
Candy: Junior mints, Twix, ice cream overall
Hobby: Running, gaming, YouTube
Restaurant: John Allison House
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? Mom, dad, friends and family
BRENNER MCILQUHAM
College attending: Mount St. Mary’s University
Sport: Swimming
Athletic and academic accolades achieved while in high school: National Honor Society, Executive Council, PA Math League, Mid-Penn, District 3, PIAA qualifier, YMCA Nationals qualifier.
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? Location, swim team
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? Improving in the pool and preparing for law school.
What are your goals over the next four years? To continue to improve and score at conferences.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Food: Steak
Song: “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”
School subject: History
Memory: Winning my heat at districts
Candy: Reese’s
Restaurant: Nikko’s
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? Mom, Dad and my sister Breanna
MADELYN STOOPS
College attending: Shippensburg University
Sport: Swimming
Athletic and academic accolades achieved while in high school: Honor Roll all four years, varsity swimming all three years there has been a team, district, and Mid-Penn qualifier.
Why did you select the academic program you are going to attend? It has the academic program that I want to pursue, middle-level science education as well as including an elementary school on campus which will help me for my degree. Shippensburg also has a very welcoming swim team.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? I am very excited about a new environment and being able to meet and swim with new people as well as growing athletically and academically.
What are your goals over the next four years? I hope to graduate with a degree in Middle-Level Science Education and participate in conferences in swimming.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Washington Capitals (ice hockey)
Food: Pizza
Song: “Bad Romance,” by Lady Gaga
School subject: Science
Memory: Being undefeated and conference champs for two years in swimming as well as going to districts in relays this year.
Animal: Hippopotamus
Candy: Twix
Hobby: Diamond painting
Restaurant: Café del Sol
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? My parents, coaches, teachers, and teammates
KIERA MOUER
College attending: Penn State Mont Alto
Sport: Volleyball
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? I loved how welcoming the girls on the team were and how close I could still be to home.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? Meeting new people and making friends, having successful seasons on the volleyball team.
What are your goals over the next four years? Earn my degree, be on the honor roll throughout my time at PSU Mont Alto, and make new friends.
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: Yankees
Food: Ice cream
Song: “Trance”
School subject: Science
Animal: Cow
Candy: Dark chocolate
Hobby: Riding around and listening to music with friends
Restaurant: Chipotle
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? Mom, dad, my sisters, coach (Kim) Saunders, coach (Emily) Nystrom, my grandparents
HECTOR GABRIEL
College attending: Lycoming
Sport: Lacrosse
Why did you select the college/university you are going to attend? It was the best fit for me.
What are you most looking forward to as you continue your academic and athletic career? To be part of a whole new environment
What are your goals over the next four years? To study music and still play lacrosse
Who or what is your favorite?
Sports team: LA Rams
Song: “Hotel California,” by The Eagles
School subject: Music
Hobby: Playing music
Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse
Is there anyone you would like to thank for getting you to where you are today? My coaches, family, my friends, and Carter Long for showing me the sport.
