by Andrew Luberda

Poston Butte High School hosted a signing day ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013 to recognize seven student-athletes who received college scholarships.

Wyatt Pattyson was awarded a baseball scholarship to Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Cameron Owens received a football scholarship to Mesa CC and Samantha Castoldi was given a softball scholarship to Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dustin French, Jordan Davis and Antwane Sonneveldt all received football scholarships to Phoenix CC, while slugger Emily Lodge received a softball scholarship to the college.

Before signing their letters of intent, Athletic Director Gordon Ray introduced the student-athletes to an audience of parents, coaches and classmates.

He said they excelled in other areas in addition to their respective athletic accomplishments. “[We’re] very proud of these young men and young women, for their efforts not only on the athletic field, but their efforts in the classroom and in the community and how they represent us,” he said.

The student-athletes credited the Poston Butte coaches, community, and their teammates for not only helping them achieve some of their athletic goals, but also learning life skills and lessons.  “The family that we have here, we’re really close knit and everyone supports each other,” said Dustin French.

Antwane Sonneveldt believes the coaches promote more than just athletic goals. “The coaching staff, they definitely pride themselves a lot on not only building a great football program and football team but great young men,” he said. “They definitely want to prepare us for the real world out there.”

For the parents of the student-athletes, Tuesday was a proud and emotional day for them to share with their children. Aside from their children’s athletic achievements, most said they were proud of their determination and dedication.

Cindy Pattyson is most proud of her son Wyatt for being “a good role model.”

Dennis Castoldi is most proud of his daughter Samantha’s decision making. “She’s got a really square head on her shoulders,” he said. “She’s got a straight-forward vision of where she wants to go and where she wants to be.”

For Jennifer Sonnveldt, Tuesday recalled the emotional journey that has brought her son Antwane to this point in his life. “It’s a movie,” she said. “If [people] could see his life and who he is now, it’s just a great story. Who he’s become as a man, a brother, a son, and who he’ll be in the future.”

Kelly Castoldi may have spoken the thoughts of most parents when she said, “just missing him, obviously, is the hardest thing.”