The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009
Wilson High held a Spring Signing Day event last week to honor its seniors who have signed college scholarships to play NCAA sports. Instead of hosting one event at the end of the school year, Wilson split its signing celebrations up into three groups this year, with Fall and Winter signees recognized earlier in the year at separate events.
Last week’s event was highlighted by a large contingent of track and field signees, including cross country/track/basketball standout Nico Colchico, who announced he is signing a full scholarship with the University of Indiana. Other track and field signees were still in the process of choosing a college, with Genesis Washington looking at Washington and TCU, and Trinity Moseby looking at Washington and Fresno State. Leroy Crook committed to Iowa earlier this year and Samarra Monrroy signed with TCU, giving the Bruins yet another large contingent heading to the NCAA.
Colchico said that he was deciding between Indiana, Illinois, and Cal.
“All three were really good options, I spent time getting to know the coaches,” he said. “When I visited Indiana I felt right at home, it felt like the right place for me. The campus is beautiful, everyone in the town was really kind and welcoming.”
At his announcement, Colchico faked everyone out, picking up a Cal hat before putting it aside and picking up Indiana, a fake-out he said he did to fool his friend Hank Rivers, the All-American Wilson swimmer who is signed with Cal.
“I only did it because he was in the room too, I knew it would get him,” Colchico said with a laugh. “I would have loved to have gone there with him, but it’s Indiana for me.”
Colchico expects to run the 800 and 1500 in college in the Spring, and could see some work in the 400 as well–he hasn’t run it much but split at 48.4 at the CIF State Finals for Wilson’s 4×400 relay.
Wilson athletic director Warren Smitheran organized the event, and imparted some wisdom to the graduating Bruins seniors.
“You guys have left your mark here and we know you’re going to go on to do great things,” he said. “Thanks for representing your school so well–keep working towards your dreams.”
Other signees included Carson Krueger (UCSB) and Zach Crenshaw (USC) from the water polo program, and boys’ volleyball star Leo Pravednikov, who signed with UCSD. Softball player Adriana Wiggins signed with Carleton College and soccer’s Cole Worden signed with York St. John. The school also recognized cross country/track athletes Jaylen Chan and Riki Moscoso who are moving on to LBCC next year..
At the earlier signings, football player Bobby Mooney signed with Georgia Tech, All-American swimmer Hank Rivers signed with Cal, and water polo player Gray Carson signed with UCLA, among others.
Here’s the full list of a great scholarship signing class for Wilson in 21-22.
Genesis Washington, track and field, Washington/TCU
Leo Pravednikov, volleyball, UCSD
Trinity Moseby, track and field, Washington/Nevada/Fresno State
Samarra Monrroy, track and field, TCU
Carson Krueger, water polo, UCSB
Zach Crenshaw, water polo, USC
Adriana Wiggins, softball, Carleton College
Nico Colchico, track and field, Indiana
Bobby Mooney, football, Georgia Tech
Charlie Royle, baseball, Cal Poly
Gray Carson, water polo, UCLA
Hank Rivers, swimming, Cal
Camryn Cruz, soccer, St. Mary’s College
Cade Mendoza, soccer, University of San Francisco
Emi Sverduk, golf, Washington State
Cole Worden, soccer, York St. John
