By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—Seven outstanding Walnut High athletes signed National Letters of Intent during a lunchtime ceremony on November 24.

The following seniors committed to play sports in college: Cody Dye – University of New Mexico (Baseball), Michael Moy – La Sierra University (Baseball), Brennan McKenzie – Cal Poly Pomona (Baseball), Alison Chang – Princeton University (Golf), Megan Hou – Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville (Golf), Kayla Richardson – USC (Track and Field), and Kyla Richardson – USC (Track and Field).

“Congratulations to all of our student athletes, this is a great accomplishment!” said Principal Brandon Dade.
“These student athletes will be getting money to go to college, play their sport, and get their education. It’s pretty incredible,” Athletic Director Jerry Person said. “They worked hard to get where they’re going.”

During their high school careers, the dedicated athletes earned numerous individual and team awards.

Pitching star Cody Dye signed to play baseball with University of New Mexico.

“They’re the top in their conference every year,” he said.

Dye received a coveted full-ride scholarship with the Division 1 School and plans to study criminology.

Last year, Boys Baseball had an impressive 18 game winning streak and took the Runner-Up Award during the CIF Southern Section Championships.

“We have a lot of good guys on the team!” said first baseman Brennan McKenzie who committed to Cal Poly Pomona. “This means a lot! I’ll get to play baseball, get an education– and hopefully get a good job.” He plans to major in kinesiology.

Teammate second baseman Michael Moy committed to play at La Sierra University in Riverside.

Golfer Alison Chang will play at Princeton University in the fall. “It’s like a dream come true,” she said after the signing ceremony. “I only could have gone this far with the support of everyone round me, including my coach, my family, and teammates.”

This season, Chang, a 4.0 GPA honor student, clinched an Individual CIF 2nd Place Award. The Girls Golf team also took 2nd Place at the CIF Championships.

“I’m just happy I get to play the sport I love and take it to the next level,” Chang added.

Megan Hou received a full-ride scholarship to play golf at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville.

“I’m very excited because the coach and the girls seem very nice,” she said.

Hou has been golfing since she was eight years old and “got serious” about the sport when she was 12. She played varsity all four years at Walnut High.

“I’m very happy I chose to go to this school. I feel like it’s a better for me academically,” she added.

Hou looks forward to taking a broad range of courses before selecting her major.

Track and field sprinters Kayla and Kyla Richardson will attend University of Southern California (USC) next fall.

“USC has always been my dream school,” Kyla said.

“It was really exciting signing. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet!” twin Kayla added.

“It’s a relief and I’m glad all my hard work paid off,” Kyla commented.

The 200-meter dash is the sisters’ favorite race and they are currently training for the 2016 season.

Last year, Kayla won two CIF Southern Section championships and advanced to the CIF State meet. She clocked the fastest times in the 100 meters (11.65), 200 (23-45), and 4oo (56.53 in the San Gabriel Valley last season. She also won CIF-SS Division 1 titles in 100 and 200, running the season’s best 11.65 in the 100 and 23.45 in the 200.

“The sky’s the limit – there will be no limit to what they can do with this opportunity!” Dade added.