By: Holly Ford—
Muncie IN—Five Muncie Central seniors have signed offers to join college athletic teams. On Wednesday, February 1, Central held a signing event for each student to sign with family, friends, teammates, and coaches present.
Khamasi Muhiga signed with Ball State University to play tennis. He will double major in marketing and business management. Muhiga dreamed of joining BSU’s tennis team since he was a young boy. “I’ve wanted to play [at Ball State] since I was little,” Muhiga said. “They have matches and practices at the YMCA when it’s raining outside. I live next to the YMCA and practice there, too, so I’d see them playing and think, ‘Wow, they look pretty good.’ I wanted to be a part of that.” Muhiga will be close to home when he starts college, but he knows it will be a new experience. “It’s kind of my back yard, but it will be a new chapter in my life. School will be harder, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.” Muhiga hopes to play professional tennis someday.
Khamasi Muhiga, family, and Coach Wafer.
Trenton Hatfield will play football for Illinois State University. He plans to major in actuarial science—he has always loved math. Signing with ISU was a significant moment for Hatfield. “It’s crazy how just one signature can show all the hard work I’ve been putting in for the past thirteen years [in school]. Signing that paper is a dream finally coming true. It’s a new chapter in my life that’s just beginning.”
Trenton Hatfield and family.
Quentin Thompson and Riley Ray will both attend the University of Indianapolis to play soccer. Thompson will major in physical therapy. He felt a wave of relief when he signed with U of I. “I’m excited for the next step,” he said. Thompson loves soccer for the fans. “My dream is to go overseas to play soccer [in Europe]. The fans over there are crazy about soccer.”
Quentin Thompson and family.
Riley Ray will major in sociology. He never imagined playing college soccer until this year. As a high school freshman, he anticipated playing baseball in college. He started playing on the varsity soccer team his sophomore year. “Even then I didn’t think I was going to play college soccer,” he said, “and then this year I got an offer.” Ray is thankful for the opportunity to continue playing soccer, especially on a college team. “It will be challenging, but exciting.”
Riley Ray and family.
Jamel Barnes will attend Earlham to play basketball and football, and he will major in dentistry. “When you’re a little kid, you dream of days like this, and it finally came.” Barnes spoke of his late father’s influence in his life. “I think about him all the time. I just wish he could be here. He did everything for me, and he’s still a part of my life today.” Although his father could not be present when he signed with Earlham, Barnes was happy to have other family and friends there to support him. Barnes’ mother Kristin Altic said his hard work and positive attitude have transformed him. “He’s become a leader,” she said. Barnes plans to continue the same work ethic in college. “I’m excited about pursuing my career. I’m going to strive for greatness like I always have, keep working hard, and hopefully everything plays out.”
Jamel Barnes and family.
The Muncie Community Schools (MCS) serve approximately 6000 students from Muncie and the surrounding area. MCS provides a range of diverse opportunities for children as well as adult basic education. For more information about MCS events, programs or services, please contact Ana Pichardo, Director of Communications at 765-747-5210 or apichardo@muncieschools.org. Follow MCS on Twitter @MuncieSchools and like us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/MCS1Official.
