Two Bryan County High School seniors signed national letters of intent at the school Tuesday afternoon to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Nathan Woods became the first soccer player from BCHS to sign and will play for Brewton-Parker College. Nicholas Markles then signed to play baseball at Shorter University.

“This has always been a dream of mine since I started playing soccer as a kid,” Woods said. “Hopefully this will give the guys who come after me something to shoot for.”

The Bryan County soccer team made the state tournament for just the second time in program history this season and hosted it’s first-ever playoff game last month.

Woods said he enjoyed the “family aspect” of the BPC soccer team.

“I think it is a place where I can grow as a person and a player,” he said.

It is just over an hour’s drive from Pembroke to the Mount Vernon campus, which Woods said also factored into his decision.

“I like how close it is so my family can come and see me play,” he said.

Woods intends to major in criminal justice.

The Barons, who participate in the NAIA, finished the 2016 season at 3-12 overall and 0-7 in the Southern States Athletic Conference. Woods has played striker and midfield for the Redskins, but said he will play anywhere the team needs him in college.

Markles said he picked Shorter because he appreciated the approach of the coaching staff during the recruiting process.

“They are eager to understand who you are beyond just being a baseball player,” he said.

The centerfielder said he is open to playing any position necessary at the next level.

“I just want to get on the field, even if it means just base running,” he said. “This is a goal I set for myself and I’m eager to get started.”

Markles intends to major in business.

The Hawks, an NCAA Division II program, finished the regular season at 23-23 overall and 12-20 in the Gulf South Conference.