CFNN Reporter Evan Smith

Moving on to the next level in sports is very challenging and exciting for the high schoolers who are lucky enough to do it. Out of 8 million student athletes in the US, only 7% make it to collegiate sports. Friday afternoon, Cape Fear celebrated 3 Colt superstars who were lucky enough to be a part of that 7% and move on to the next level. Jhaden Bethea, King Faison, and Trenton Westbrook held a signing day for UNCP, Savannah State, and Coker University respectively.

The ceremony began with Jhaden, a star offensive lineman for Cape Fear, who committed to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Speeches were given by Head Coach Jake Thomas, Offensive Line Coach Chris Grates, and Bethea’s mom. All three focused from the very start on his love for the game and his dedication for the team. They touched on how even though he struggled academically, he pushed very hard and forced his grades up so he could play and support his team till the very end. Jhaden ended his signing by thanking God for the influence in his life, along with his family, coaches, and older brother who introduced him to the sport he loves so much.

King Faison took the podium next. Faison committed to Savannah State University as a running back. King’s math teacher, Mrs. Johnson gave a very emotional speech, stating first how she isn’t a big public speaker but decided to do it for him because of how proud of him she was. She continued on, retelling about King’s transfer to Cape Fear during his sophomore year, with her being a big motivator in his academics and getting him on the football team. She was always there to watch every one of his games, and get him to take AP classes to challenge him academically. He also had speeches from Coach Thomas, Running Backs Coach Brian Graham, Accounting teacher Amanda Nichols and his parents, touching on his hard work in both sports, getting to become a starter over seniors with his hard work, and his overall academic ability with him flying through some of the toughest courses in Cape Fear with flying colors.

To finish the night off Trenton Westbrook committed to Coker University for Lacrosse. Trenton had speeches from Coach Thomas about his experiences as a long snapper for the football team, Head Wrestling Coach Heath Wilson on his wrestling experience, and Coach Tom Donatelle, his lacrosse coach. Donatelle gave an incredibly moving speech on how he knew he was holding the crowd back from food and snacks. But in all seriousness, all coaches touched on how he always played a position that was needed but nobody wanted to play, and would always go all in, becoming a master in his position and becoming a very valuable player because of it. Then the night ended with Trenton thanking everyone who influenced his athletic journey, ending the night on a sympathetic note.

Watching our colts move on to the next level is always exciting for both the players and us. After reporting on all three respectfully for the past four years everyone on the staff is extremely stoked for them and excited to watch their future. To Jhaden, King, and Trenton we wish you the best of luck and know you will be great at your respected schools.