Three Richmond Hill seniors signed national letters of intent Tuesday to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
Daryn Petitt and Jacob Hedgepeth signed to run track at the University of Delaware and Emory University, respectively, while Braden Henle will be playing baseball at Emmanuel College.
Petitt, the champion in 5A at 800 meters last year, took second at the 6A state meet this year in the 800 and fifth in the 1600. She said she expects to run the 800, 1500 and 4x400 relay for the Blue Hens and wants to major in criminal psychology.
Wildcats’ Coach Levi Sybert said Petitt will excel at the collegiate level because of her competitive attitude.
“When she joined the team as a sophomore, I knew she would be good because she never got tired,” he said. “Once she figured out the sport, she was able to rise to the top.”
Petitt said she liked the Delaware campus when she visited and that the track program is “everything I was looking for.”
Hedgepeth was part of Richmond Hill’s state champion 4x400 relay team and garnered all-state honors by finishing second in the 1600 and fourth in the 3200 at last week’s state meet.. He intends to major in pre-law at Emory and run the 1500 and steeplechase for the Eagles.
“When I first started looking at colleges, Emory was my dream school, even without track,” he said. “Each year of high school it has become more and more realistic that I could run at the next level.”
Sybert agreed, noting Hedgepeth was not on varsity as a sophomore.
“He’s a hard worker and has really come into his own,” he said.
Henle was honorable mention all-region this season. He hit .333 in 108 at bats with 15 RBIs, five doubles and a triple. He also drew 15 walks and stole eight bases.
Wildcats’ Coach Stacy Bennett said Henle is a fiery competitor.
“He has a love for baseball and a will to compete that you cannot teach,” he said.
Henle said he intends to major in physical therapy, although he isn’t sure what position he’ll play for the Lions.
“I just know I need to work hard because the pitching will be a lot tougher at the next level,” he said.