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SIGNING DAY: Webb City seniors make college decisions official

By:
Jason Peake

WEBB CITY, Mo. — Nine Webb City High School seniors made their college decisions official by signing letters of intent on National Signing Day. 

Eight of the nine student-athletes attended a signing ceremony in front of a large group of students, coaches, parents and grandparents on Wednesday afternoon inside the Cardinal Dome.

Football players Gary Clinton, Jaystin Smith and Grant Goltra were joined by softball players Haidyn Berry, Alyssa Jennings and Bri Batson, while track and field athlete Luke Brumit and cheerleader Kassidy Perkins also put pen to paper.

Football player Jacob Shonk also made his decision official on Wednesday, but he was unable to attend the event at WCHS.

“I look forward to seeing how they all progress in college,” Webb City athletics director and football coach John Roderique said of the signees. 

The football players played key roles as the Cardinals won a state championship in 2019 and advanced to the semifinals in ’20. Of course, Webb City’s softball team was the state runner-up this past fall.

 

Webb City football players Jaystin Smith, Gary Clinton and Grant Goltra are pictured with their family members during Wednesday’s signing ceremony inside the Cardinal Dome. Jacob Shonk was unable to attend the signing ceremony. Photo by Jason Peake.

GARY CLINTON—MISSOURI STATE

A 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end, Clinton signed with Missouri State and head coach Bobby Petrino. 

“As a kid, it was my dream to go to the next level and play Division-I ball,” Clinton said. “To have this opportunity is a blessing. I’m excited.” 

Clinton committed to Arkansas State last July, but after a coaching change at the school, Clinton de-committed in mid-December. He found his future home by late January.

“I decommitted from Arkansas State and that night Missouri State contacted me,” Clinton said. “I knew they wanted me. It’s a great opportunity. I need to get stronger and faster. I want to play early and often at Missouri State.”  

“That was quite an unusual situation,” Roderique said. “He had his plans set, but there was a coaching change. It changed everything. That’s the reality of FBS college football. But Missouri State was one of the first schools he talked to and I know he feels real good about going there.”

Known for his superb blocking, Clinton earned all-state, all-district and all-conference recognition as a senior after hauling in 12 passes for 224 yards (18.7 yards per reception). A three-year starter, Clinton recorded 25 receptions for 448 yards and three touchdowns in his career. 

Clinton has been listed as a three-star recruit by ESPN and rated as a two-star prospect by both 247sports.com and Rivals. Clinton held offers from Arkansas State, Army, Illinois State, Northern Iowa, Southern Illinois, Western Illinois, Southeast Missouri and Eastern Illinois.

 

JAYSTIN SMITH—MISSOURI SOUTHERN

A 6-3, 215-pound linebacker, Smith inked with Missouri Southern.

“I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to play at the next level,” Smith said. “I’m ready to be a Lion.” 

Smith made 69 tackles as a senior and earned all-COC recognition. 

Of course, MSSU is expected to name a new head coach soon. 

“They’ve got a really nice facility and they’re getting a new coaching staff coming in that will hopefully turn the program around,” Smith said. “I think the new coach will get the program back on track. I think I’ll have the opportunity to play and I’m going to do my best.” 

Whether he’s at outside linebacker or defensive end, Smith said he’ll play wherever the coaching staff needs him.

“My goal is to be the best player and person I can be,” Smith said. “I’m blessed to be able to play at the collegiate level because not many kids have that opportunity. I wouldn’t be where I am at without WCHS.” 

 

GRANT GOLTRA—PITTSBURG STATE

A 6-4, 285-pound offensive lineman who earned all-state, all-district and all-conference honors, Goltra signed with Pittsburg State. 

“Knowing they put a lot of value into the offensive line really means a lot and that was one of the main reasons I wanted to go there,” Goltra said. “As an offensive lineman, I know Coach (Brian) Wright and Coach (Bryan) Larson have my back. It’s an exciting thing. I’ve met a lot of the other offensive linemen, they’re quality dudes and I’m excited to get after it.”

Goltra noted Pittsburg State’s tradition and gameday atmosphere were big selling points.

“That Gorilla Walk gives me chills,” he said. “That’s something I’m really looking forward to. And the program overall is incredibly respected. To join the winningest D-II program is an honor.”

Goltra is continuing the tradition of former Cardinals suiting up for the Gorillas.

“Knowing that I’ll be surrounded by dudes I already know will make it a whole lot easier coming in,” Goltra said.

Goltra and Smith will be close to home at rival schools.

“It’s a great thing anytime you have kids close enough where you can go see them play,” Roderique said.

 

JACOB SHONK—UPPER IOWA 

A 6-0, 170-pound wide receiver, Shonk signed with Upper Iowa University. 

“It means a lot because we have built an excellent recruiting class and there’s an excellent new coaching staff coming in,” Shonk told SoMo Sports. “They’re calling us the ‘new-look Peacocks.’ It’ll be a lot of fun and I can’t wait.”

Shonk added playing at the next level was very important to him.

“It means the world to me because I’ve been doubted my whole life,” he said. “I’ve always been told I’m not good enough, so it means an insane amount to make my dreams come true today.” 

Shonk also thanked his coaches.

“It meant a lot to be a part of the best football program in Missouri,” he said. 

 

Webb City softball players Alyssa Jennings, Haidyn Berry and Bri Batson are pictured with their family members during Wednesday’s signing ceremony at Webb City High School. Photo by Jason Peake.

HAIDYN BERRY—CENTRAL MISSOURI

The two-time Central Ozark Conference Softball Player of the Year is taking her talents to Central Missouri to suit up for the Jennies.

“It’s a family atmosphere there,” Berry said of UCM. “I really enjoyed playing at Webb City and it’s similar at Central Missouri. Everybody loves each other there and that’s what I wanted. I was thinking about throwing the javelin somewhere, but I couldn’t give up the softball route. It’s been my thing since I was eight-years-old, and I’m so excited for this opportunity.” 

A standout in the circle and at the plate, Berry played a crucial role as the Cardinals finished as the state runner-up and went 27-6. 

In the circle, Berry earned 25 wins and struck out 234 batters. Berry hit .444 with 48 hits, 49 RBI and a school record 18 home runs. The 18 homers rank second-best all-time in Missouri. 

Berry, who may play first base when she’s not pitching, will now look to set records at the next level. 

“I’m going to earn my spot there, work hard and put in the time,” Berry said. “I’m going to do whatever it takes at the next level. At this point, if I touch the field then it’s important to me. I want to play in the MIAA.” 

 

ALYSSA JENNINGS—CROWDER 

A two-year starter for the Cardinals, Jennings signed to play softball at Crowder College.

“I’m super excited,” Jennings said. “Their program is great, their facilities are nice and their coaches are amazing. And their softball team is ranked 20th in the nation.” 

An infielder/outfielder who earned all-COC and all-district recognition, Jennings hit .368 with 32 hits, 28 runs, 23 RBI and nine homers as a senior. She hit .345 with 23 runs scored and 22 RBI in ‘19.  

Jennings hopes to contribute nicely at Crowder.

“My goal is to see the field and go to the next level,” Jennings said. “Working my whole life to become the softball player I am and being able to continue to the next level is a blessing. Putting in the hours and days into the sport I love has finally paid off. This will be an amazing opportunity.” 

 

BRI BATSON—NEOSHO COUNTY

Batson inked with the Neosho County Community College softball program.

“It means a lot to sign because it shows all my hard work paid off and I get to compete at the next level,” Batson said. 

Batson noted NCCC felt like the best fit for her. 

“The coaches there are very nurturing, a lot like here,” Batson said. “They’re going to push me and I can’t wait. They’re going to make me a better player. I want to go there and work hard.” 

Batson launched a memorable game-tying home run in the state championship game. Batson hit .250 with 21 hits, 18 runs and 13 RBI this past fall. 

Batson may play catcher or third base for the Panthers. 

“I just want to thank everyone who didn’t let me give up on my dream,” Batson told SoMo Sports. 

 

Webb City’s Luke Brumit and Kassidy Perkins are pictured. Brumit signed to compete in track and field at Missouri Southern, while Perkins signed to cheer for Ottawa University in Kansas. Photo by Jason Peake. 

 

LUKE BRUMIT—MISSOURI SOUTHERN

Brumit, a standout high jumper, will join the Missouri Southern men’s track and field program.

“I liked how close it was to home and I liked the coaches there,” Brumit said. “I’m very excited. The coaching staff was very welcoming.”

Brumit said he’ll compete in the decathlon at MSSU.

“I only know three of the events right now, so I have to learn how to do seven more,” Brumit said. “I’m willing to put in the work.” 

As a sophomore, Brumit finished 14th in the high jump at the Class 4 state track meet. Of course, there was no track season last spring. 

Brumit, who is currently a starter on the Webb City basketball team, said he’s thrilled he’s getting the opportunity to compete in track and field at the next level.

“One of my dreams is coming true,” he said. “I won’t have to give up one of the sports I love.” 

 

KASSIDY PERKINS—OTTAWA

Perkins signed to join the cheerleading squad at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. 

“I was three-years-old when my parents put me in my first cheer class, not realizing they would be shaping my entire life by this decision,” Perkins told SoMo Sports. “I fell in love with a sport that pushed me past my comfort zone, always gave me a purpose and surrounded me with an unbreakable bond with so many people. This opportunity at Ottawa means the world to me.” 

Perkins noted the importance of the day for all the signees.

“It means the world to me knowing that all of us have dedicated our lives to what we do,” Perkins said. 

 

 

RELATED STORIES: 

A DECADE IN THE MAKING: Webb City softball standout Haidyn Berry has goals set high for senior year – SoMo Sports (somo-sports.com)

CHECKING EVERY BOX: Webb City’s Gary Clinton stands out at tight end – SoMo Sports (somo-sports.com)

 

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