Three senior Cassville boys athletes signed letters of intent on April 26 to continue their careers in college, one in cross country and track, a second in rugby, and a third in wrestling.
Caleb Leach, Class 3 cross country state medalist and new school record-holder in the 3200-meter, penned his name with the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he will run in both sports for the Tritons.
Nic Sanders, a four-year soccer player for the Wildcats who also played football in middle school, signed with Drury University to take on yet another sport — rugby.
Finally, Akhilleus Arguelles, fourth in Class 2 at 132 pounds this year and fifth at the same weight in 2022, signed to join the inaugural squad at William Woods University.
Leach said when he visited UMSL, he felt at home.
“When I visited, they were really welcoming to me and wanted me there,” he said. “I’m excited to do both sports. In college track, it’s a 1500-meter instead of 1600. That and the 800 I feel will be my stronger races.”
Sanders, who is joining a new men’s rugby program at Drury, said the Panthers approached him about playing college ball.
“They came to me and were really nice about it, and Drury seemed like a good place to go,” he said. “I’ve tried it out and it looks fun. I enjoyed football in middle school and soccer in high school, and rugby is kind of both. I hope to be good with my speed, being quick on my feet and being able to think fast.”
Arguelles said his visit to William Woods was what swayed his decision.
“They seemed the friendliest and had what I wanted to go for with an athletic training major,” he said. “I had a majority of my focus on that. It’s also a first-year wrestling team, so I get to set the bar and play a role in building the program. I’m excited for more competition, different competition.”
Finding success at many levels, each of the seniors said most of their greatest memories were rooted in sports, but not necessarily playing them.
“I enjoyed making friends from other schools and meeting new people,” Sanders said.
“I enjoyed bing able to go on trips and stay at the hotels, talking to everybody and just having fun,” Arguelles added.
“One time, Hernan [Hernandez] fell down in a relay, and that got me laughing pretty hard,” Leach said. “I have lots of good memories with all of my distance teammates.”
Searching for success past the high school level, Arguelles advised prep athletes to get their names out.
“Put yourself out there and talk to colleges, and know how to talk to colleges,” he said. “Be able to recognize and name your achievements and how you can benefit their team.”
Sanders, voted the soccer team’s Heart and Hustle Award winner and Most Valuable Teammate, said a good way to get noticed is to showcase your best qualities.
“Try to make yourself stand out and make your skills more prominent,” he said.
Leach suggested as many athletics programs do — trust the process.
“Take your time,” he said. “Definitely trust how long it will take. Usually, the slower you run in practice, the faster you will run in meets, which doesn’t make sense but that’s how the body works.”
Leach plans to major in exercise science, Sanders plans to major in geology, and Arguelles plans to major in sports medicine and athletic training.
