The Wichita Falls area has had several boys and girls high school athletes sign letters of intent to play at the next level in the past couple months.
Hirschi's Javen Banks signed to play football at Division I Texas State, but several other athletes are headed to the Division II, III and NAIA ranks. Here's a few of the signing pictures the TRN has received over the past couple months.
Burkburnett's Marcus Kleckner (Hardin-Simmons)
Kleckner signed to play college tennis at Division III Hardin-Simmons in Abilene. The Burkburnett senior finished with two trips to the UIL State Championships in Class 4A boys singles. Last year he won a bronze medal by advancing to the semifinals and this year he lost in the quarterfinals.
Archer City's Lauren Castles, Kacey Hasley and Katie Cooper
Three Archer City volleyball players off the Region I-2A champions will be playing at the next level. Lauren Castles, who was a first-team TSWA all-state selection at middle blocker, will play for Division II Lubbock Christian after leading the Lady Wildcats to three state tournament appearances in four years.
Kacey Hasley, an honorable mention TSWA selection, signed with Division III Hardin-Simmons and Katie Cooper signed with St. Ambrose.
Bowie's Kamryn Cantwell (SE Oklahoma State)
Cantwell followed former Lady Rabbit standout Courtney Brady to Southeastern Oklahoma State, a Division II school in Durant, Okla. Cantwell was an all-state basketball selection who averaged 20.3 points per game and just finished winning silver in the 400 at the Class 3A state meet
Holliday's Ryland Downs (Schereiner)
Holliday's Ryland Downs signed to continue his competitive shooting career at Division III Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas. Downs, who also was an offensive lineman on the Eagles' football squad, earned several shooting awards during the past few years. He was named to the Texas Trap Association Junior State Team in 2018 and was the varsity trap champion at the Texas YESS State Shoot.
Bowie's Hunter Kirkham (Oklahoma Panhandle State)
Bowie senior offensive lineman Hunter Kirkham signed to play football at NAIA's Oklahoma Panhandle State. Kirkham, was a Red River 22 honoree this fall and was a first-team District 4-3A Division II selection on both sides of the football his senior year.
WFHS' Alex Ramirez and Marc Ledezma (Northern Oklahoma)
Wichita Falls High School's Alex Ramirez and Marc Ledezma will continue their soccer careers after signing with Northern Oklahoma College. Ramirez was the Coyotes' leading scorer this year with 11 goals, while Ledezma was the team's backup goalie.
Burkburnett's Olivia Johnson (Midwestern State)
Burkburnett senior Olivia Johnson signed with Midwestern State to run cross-country and track with the Mustangs next season. Johnson qualified for regionals in cross-country and track multiple times and excelled in long-distance running. Burkburnett's Lorrin Peigne also signed with MSU.
Rider's Emma Baley (Midwestern State)
Rider senior defender Emma Baley signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Midwestern State next fall. Baley was a key defender on the Lady Raiders, who advanced to the regional finals. Baley was a first-team 5-5A selection and was the lone first-team TASCO all-state selection from the area.
Munday's Kristen Kuehler (Tarleton State)
Munday senior Kristen Kuehler signed to compete in track next season with Division II Tarleton State. Kuehler won the Region II-2A title in the discus the past two years and finished fourth at state in the event each time. She also was a standout volleyball player for the Mogulettes.
Jacksboro's Clay Botello (Hardin-Simmons)
Jacksboro pitcher Clay Botello signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Division III Hardin-Simmons in Abilene. Botello was the District 8-3A MVP in each of the past two years and helped the Tigers go three rounds deep in the playoffs in the 2017-18 seasons.