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Athletes Sign On The Dotted Line

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By JOHN CEBALLOS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2007

RIVERVIEW - By this time next year, a group of Sharks athletes will be swimming in bigger waters.

With their friends, family and coaches nearby, five Riverview High School students signed college letters of intent Nov. 14.

"This is absolutely one of the proudest days of the year for the faculty and staff," said Ron Wardlow, the school's athletic director. "Personally, it's one of my favorites, as well."

Colby Fairfax and Anthony Ferrara signed to play baseball for Florida Southern University in Lakeland and the University of South Florida, respectively.

Bill Leiby, in his fourth year as coach of the baseball team, was present to congratulate his two players.

"They've worked extremely hard on the field and away from it," Leiby said. "It's also a bit special, because these seniors are part of the class that we brought in when I started coaching here."

Meanwhile, softball players Dianne Gonzalez, Ashley McClain and Brittany Yates also are taking their talents to the next level.

Gonzalez and Yates will play for Pasco County's Saint Leo University, and McClain will attend Florida International University in Miami.

"Watching them reminds me of the golden opportunity these young people are getting to earn a college education," said Angela Slater, softball coach. "They will not only be able to get a degree and make more money, but they will have a chance to become better people."

In addition to delighting their family and friends, the students also are a source of pride for their high school.

"We are absolutely thrilled for them," said Bob Heilmann, principal. "Some schools can go for years without having students earn athletic scholarships, and we're lucky enough to have five today."

COLBY FAIRFAX

SCHOOL: Florida Southern University
POSITION: Pitcher and outfield

PLANS TO STUDY: Sports medicine

QUOTE: "I also play football, but baseball's the best. I've been playing since I was 4."
ANTHONY FERRARA
SCHOOL: University of South Florida
POSITION: Pitcher and first base

PLANS TO STUDY: Criminology or sports medicine

QUOTE: "I've been playing baseball pretty much since I was able to walk."

DIANNE GONZALEZ

SCHOOL: Saint Leo University
POSITION: First base and outfield

PLANS TO STUDY: Criminology

QUOTE: "I'm very excited about going to college. It's the beginning of my future."

ASHLEY McCLAIN

SCHOOL: Florida International University

POSITION: Pitcher, outfielder and captain of the softball team

PLANS TO STUDY: Physical therapy

QUOTE: "I always said whatever school wanted me is where I would go, but I'm very excited."

BRITTANY YATES

SCHOOL: Saint Leo University
POSITION: Catcher and outfielder

PLANS TO STUDY: Forensics

QUOTE: "I'm happy because Saint Leo is close to home, which is kind of what I wanted the entire time."

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com

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