A pair of both Coal Ridge High School cheer and track and field stars put pen to paper on Tuesday, solidifying their leap to the collegiate ranks to continue their athletic careers. 

A school that has seen five students sign their respective National Letter of Intents in the month of May, here is what each student had to say about the next chapter in their sporting careers:

Kutter Wilson, cheer, Iowa Western Community College

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A dual sport athlete during his senior year, Kutter Wilson will now take his talents to Iowa Western Community College where he will compete for the defending Universal Cheerleaders Association open coed national champions. Planning to major in athletic training and exercise science, he said he is excited for the opportunity.

“They have a great cheer program, and I see myself being able to excel there,” he said. “I’m excited to experience a new atmosphere and have the opportunity to meet new people.”

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Tony Lagunas, cheer, Midland University

Signing to attend Midland University and also compete in cheerleading, Tony Lagunas will reunite with fellow Coal Ridge teammate Jesús Camúnez. A tri-sport athlete during his time at Coal Ridge, Lagunas plans to major in exercise science. Competing in cheer for his first time during the 2022-23 season, he is eager to continue his athletic career.

“It’s going to be very different, but it’s going to be fun,” he said. “I’m definitely going to have some nerves, but I’m excited to get out there and meet my new team.”

Mikayla Cheney, track and field, United States Military Academy West Point

Returning from hip surgery last May that sidelined Mikayla Cheney for her senior volleyball and cross-country seasons, the track-and-field star walked away from the Colorado state championships with four medals, including a personal-best time in the 1600-meter race. Now, she will report to the United States Military Academy West Point on June 26. Holding a number of offers to run collegiately, she is ready to embrace a new challenge. 

“It’s going to be a lot different than anything I’m used to, and it’s something that I’m super excited about,” she said. “It’s a whole new world out there.”

Chase Gerber, track and field, Lancaster Bible College

Following in the footsteps of his brothers, Chase Gerber will attend Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania. While his brothers are active in golf and basketball, respectively, he will instead attend the school to compete in the high jump. Also contributing on Coal Ridge’s basketball team during his senior year, he will major in sports management once stepping foot on campus.

“It’s a great school that helps develop you as a person, and I’m really excited to go out there and get started,” he said. “I’ve been committed for a while now so for the time to be coming up so quickly is pretty cool.”

Ezra Williams, soccer, Masters University

Signing his National Letter of Intent on May 10, Ezra Williams will continue his soccer career at Masters University in Santa Clarita, California. The 2023 3A Western Slope League player of the year and  two-time all-state nominee said his faith played a big part in helping him make a decision where to go next.

“It’s a beautiful campus and a great school, but the real reason I chose Masters was because I wanted somewhere where I could test my faith,” he said. “I feel like Masters will be a great fit for me in a lot of ways.”