Renton Area Athletes Commit To Division I And III Colleges

Five ball caps from Division I-A schools sat before Hazen's Cody Moorhead Tuesday during a celebration for student athletes signing with their colleges of choice. With his lettermen's jacket filled with honors and awards, Moorhead chose choose the Air Force over Idaho, Army, Oregon and Oklahoma State.

Moorhead said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to represent his country. “I’m excited to serve my country and be a part of something bigger than myself," according to a press release from the school. His mom Laura said in an email to Patch, "We are so very proud of Cody!  He is thrilled with his decision to join the Air Force and the opportunity to play D1 football, and we are thrilled that he will be part of a very special group of young men." 

Teammate Zach Cable signed to play football at the University of Idaho. Zach has a 2.9 GPA and is looking forward to heading to Moscow. “My dad went and coached there and it just felt like I was going home," he said in a statement.

Drew Kelly is committing to play football at Division III Pacific University in Oregon. Drew has a 2.9 GPA and is looking forward to being part of a program that is rebuilding itself, “the small town feel will really help me focus on academics and football," he said in a statement.

Dee Dee Green signed a letter of intent to play soccer at the University of Arkansas. Green has a 2.9 GPA and talks about how much she enjoyed meeting everyone on campus. “The community is really close, like a family, and everyone is supportive of the athletic programs.”

Sam Bunnell is committing to play soccer at Division III Southern Virginia University. He has a 3.4 GPA and felt SVU was a great fit for his academic needs. “The small school atmosphere will help me focus on my academics and help balance my soccer and faith," he said in a statement.

David Hughes is committing to play baseball at Division III Pacific Lutheran University. He was drawn to PLU by its high-ranking Nursing program. “Playing baseball at a school that also has a great program in the field I want to work in is a great opportunity," he said in a statement.

“It is great seeing students recognized for their outstanding performance in athletics and its eventual payoff for college acceptance and attendance. Athletics provide another opportunity for students that open doorways to college," said Hazen Principal John Kniseley.

Renton lineman Zach Walther signed to Minot State with Renton football coach Donald Ponds and Walther's family present Wednesday. He is the only Renton High School athlete to sign a letter of intent so far this year.

More announcements from Renton, Lindbergh and Kennedy Catholic high schools are expected over the next couple weeks including where Lindbergh soccer star Elise Aylward will play her college soccer career. Renton football players  Byron Siu and Uriel Gonzales are also expected to announce their choices.