Photo by MICHAEL PISTELLA It was college signing day at Mariner High Tuesday as 15 senior student-athletes signed letters-of-intent. From left in front are: John Teeter (soccer); Juan Rincon (soccer); Kenny Moore (football); Sam Greenwell (softball); Kelsey Whitaker (soccer); Mackenzie Hunt (softball); Matt Brust (soccer); David Steeb (soccer); Luke Stamps (basketball); Basil Minto (wrestling); Yanni Colon (football); (in back) Justin Gubelman (baseball); Kevin Cavanagh (baseball); Skyler Marler (football); and Sam Guerrier (basketball).

It was a good day to be a Mariner Tritons student-athlete, according to athletic director Vito Mennona, who presided over a college letter-of-intent signing ceremony for 15 athletes representing seven programs Tuesday in the school auditorium.

“We used to do it one or two (athletes) at a time, but there were so many we went to this format,” said Mennona. “It may take the individuality away from it, but it was nice to have a big class. It’s less time lost from class and a better venue in the auditorium rather than the cafeteria.”

The 15 athletes signing Tuesday included four from boys’ soccer, three football, two each from girls’ softball, boys basketball and baseball, one wrestler and one from girls’ soccer.

A 16th athlete, softball player Abby Willis, signed earlier this spring with South Florida Community College where she will maintain status quo as a teammate of Mackenzie Hunt, who signed there Tuesday. Teammate Samantha Greenwell, who played soccer and softball, signed with Chesapeake College for softball.

Basketball players Luke Stamps and Sam Guerrier put their names on the dotted line – Stamps with Florida Christian College and Guerrier with University of the Ozarks.

“Luke is a testament to what hard work and dedication can do,” said Tritons basketball coach James Harris. “He has been undersized his whole life. The thing about him is perhaps other students can see themselves in him and know what they can do if they put their mind to it. I could not be more proud of him. Florida Christian is a perfect fit for him and for what he can do for Florida Christian.”

Guerrier had other opportunities to consider before deciding on University of the Ozarks.

“He has a chance to play right away and the lure to get away from home was too much for him to pass up,” said Harris. “He will have Michael Santiago of North Fort Myers as a teammate there, so he still will have some Southwest Florida ties.”

Harris expects one more senior to sign soon, giving him three college-bound signees from the same team, the most since Harris took over the program eight years ago from Frank Morris.

Soccer players John Teeter (Warner Southern, David Steeb and Matt Brust (Webber International) and Juan Rincon (Ave Maria) signed Tuesday, the most from a single team in coach Martin Cardenas’ tenure.

“I just tell the guys to promote themselves and provide some contacts, write letters,” said Cardenas. “They have to perform, but I think all of them made the right decision for them under their circumstances. They have four years ahead of them.”

Baseball players Kevin Cavanagh (College of Central Florida) and Justin Gubelman (Bethune-Cookman) brought the team’s signee number to three, joining teammate Alex Santana, who signed with Florida Atlantic University earlier this year.

“I expect two more to sign,” said Tritons coach Steve Larsen. “They just have to find the right fit for them with the money and location. Both Kevin and Justin had multiple choices, but are comfortable with the one that they made for playing time situation.”

Larsen said the Tritons average two to four seniors signing per year for the last seven to eight seasons.

“Ultimately, the kids must perform,” said Larsen. “I help make the kids aware of what camps to go to, make contacts and make sure the kids get the opportunity they are looking for.”

Other signees include football players Yanni Colon (Illinois College), Skyler Marler (Wittenberg University), Kenny Moore (Springfield College); soccer player Kelsey Whitaker (Thomas University); and wrestler Basil Minto (Northern Iowa Area Community College).