Pleasant subplots abounded at St. Ed’s last week when five student-athletes officially committed to their chosen colleges before an enthusiastic throng of students, friends and family members.
But there is no doubt that this event stood alone for its transcendent significance.
Danny Walsh, Austin Sheppers, Chase Stokes and Wils Tucker signed to play lacrosse. Maggie Taylor will take on the challenge of rowing as a collegian.
Adding an unusual twist, three of the four lacrosse guys transferred to St. Ed’s this year and have yet to play the sport for the Pirates. And the irony of the day belonged to Taylor. She took up rowing in the seventh grade only because as a middle schooler she didn’t particularly like lacrosse and wanted to try another sport.
Later that same day Walsh, Sheppers and Stokes would hit the practice field to prepare for the Sunshine State Athletic Conference championship football game. This would be the only season Sheppers and Stokes played high school football.
“This week has kind of got it all,” Walsh said. “We made it to the state championship in football and I’m focusing on that. I’m also signing a letter to play Division I lacrosse at Mercer University. So overall I’m just having an exciting week and looking forward to everything.
“This doesn’t feel real. It’s hard to think that as a freshman I was playing lacrosse here against some big schools. It’s all just a blur right now. It all went so fast and I didn’t think it would happen this fast. It’s exciting to think I’m going to college, but it’s sad that I will be leaving all of this.”
Taylor will also be going Division I. She said, “I have loved my time rowing here at St. Ed’s and I’m definitely excited to keep it going at the University of Virginia. I visited a ton of schools and when I got to UVA I just really felt comfortable. The girls on the (crew) team and the classes I attended all just felt like a perfect fit.”
Tucker, Stokes and Sheppers transferred from VBHS this year.
Tucker was previously enrolled at St. Ed’s before spending the past three years at VBHS. The trio will be playing lacrosse at Division II schools.
“I felt like St. Ed’s was a place where I could really connect with the people,” Tucker explained. “The community is very welcoming and I like the lacrosse program and what it stands for.
“A couple of my (VBHS) teammates actually went to Lenoir-Rhyne University and I visited last spring and watched one of their games. I traveled around the campus and fell in love with it right then and there.
“I’m really looking forward to the lacrosse season here at St. Ed’s. We have a lot of talent this year and it should be a lot of fun.”
Stokes and Sheppers became integral members of St. Ed’s football team and can hardly wait for the spring lacrosse season to arrive.
“I wanted to get into a better lacrosse program and I think there are some really good players on this team,” Stokes said. “I think we can go as far as we want to go. We have the kids and we have the skills. I want to win the state championship.
“I love St. Ed’s and I appreciate being here. I’m glad I made the decision to transfer. The people here have treated me very well.”
Stokes will attend Lynn University and said it was an easy decision. The lacrosse program is very good and the warm weather in Florida is very much to his liking. He also prefers to be close to home.
Sheppers chose the University of Tampa. He told us, “There were plenty of choices and Tampa has been interested in me since my freshman year. So I figured if they are showing that much attention, something good will come out of it.
“Coming here was a group decision with Chase and Wils (after a coaching change at VBHS). It was definitely a good choice. I love it and I’m having a great time.
“Playing football for the first time in high school is something that I never expected. And playing for the state championship is really cool. I can’t wait for the lacrosse season. We are going to have a good team and it will be a lot of fun.
“This year has definitely been my best year in high school. I’m having a great time.”
Unfortunately, the perfect ending to the week didn’t happen. St. Stephen’s Episcopal defeated the Pirates, 21-14, for the SSAC championship.
