Elk Lake recently held a signing ceremony recognizing three seniors planning to play baseball at the collegiate level in the fall. The Warriors senior trio consists of Noah Gesford, Braydon McMicken and Dawson Sherman.

Three players from one graduating class continuing to play after high school is quite impressive. It is estimated that only 8.1 percent of high school players will go onto play baseball collegiately. 

Elk Lake head coach Tony Rezykowski and his assistant John Pierson have built a strong program, with several underclassmen likely to play at the next level in the future.

Coach Rezykowski had high praises for his group of seniors stating, "These three have changed the tone of our program and they are great role models for our young kids to show what hard work it takes to get to the next level."

He also admitted "I have been blessed to coach this senior group over the past four years. I met most of them in first grade when my wife had them in school...we used to talk baseball. It was mostly to persuade them to hate the Yankees."

Coach Rezykowski continued, "this group has been extremely hard working. It's nothing to see them in the cage or in the weight room after a game, because they weren't happy with their swings or they are just continually working to improve their craft."

He also heaped som praise on for the families as well noting, "a lot has to be said about their families as well and the amount of time they invested into these boys." 

As for the Gesford family this will mark back to back seasons they've had a senior commit to play baseball at the next level.

Noah will join his brother Isaac in the college ranks. Isaac is currently a freshman playing at Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA.

Noah is taking his talents to King's College next season and appreciates all the support he's had along the way. "I feel so blessed to be able to continue my baseball career at college. There are so many great players that don't get that opportunity and I'm thankful."

"It is a true testament to the hard work I have put in and how the people around me supported me. One of those people of course is my brother. Being able to follow in his footsteps into the college game is something special."

Gesford also admitted, "Isaac has shown me the dedication it takes to be successful and how to balance being a student athlete. Of course I hope to be able to matchup with him someday, that would be a memory for a lifetime."

Braydon McMicken will be heading to play at Penn State Harrisburg and is exited to have the opportunity to play at the college level.

"It feels amazing being able to sign a letter from a college, because that just shows me that the effort that was put in had paid off. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to play at the collegiate level and I'm extremely thankful to be given the chance to do so."

The Warrior senior also pointed out the work it takes, "If you want to be given the chance to be offered by an college you can't just expect to do the bare minimum, you have to put in the extra swings, you gotta get extra reps after practice."

He also noted it helped having dedicated teammates around him, "My two teammates that are also playing in college have both worked very hard to be where they are at now. We all grew up playing together so to see them sign with a college and having the opportunity to pursue their dream as well as me, it's a great feeling, congrats to them!"

Dawson Sherman will be heading halfway across the country to play baseball at the University of Olivet in Olivet, Michigan.

When asked how much baseball went into this moment the Warrior senior responded, "Countless hours, although not all of them were the most enjoyable, the process was a lot of fun."

Sherman also offered this when asked what it says about a class with three playing beyond high school. "We have a talented group who pushes each other everyday to get better and who enjoys being around each other."

The Warriors would like to hang another district title banner in the gym before they bid farewell to a special group of seniors.