Sports
3 Lady Tigers sign college intents
Monday, 18 February 2013 by Tony Adams
Belton’s Alex Wilson, Meredith Langford and Kirsten Whiteside all signed their letters of intent to play softball at the college level.Three of Belton coach Matt Blackburn's instrumental senior class members of the Belton Lady Tigers Softball Team started the 2013 season by signing commitments towards their softball future beyond their graduation from Belton High School.
In front of nearly 500 people at Tiger Gym Monday morning, Alex Wilson, Meredith Langford and Kirsten Whiteside took steps towards the college level.
"It's a bittersweet day for me knowing what these girls mean to the program," said Blackburn. "It's a big day for me, but an even bigger one for these girls."
Wilson, four year starter, also made the decision to stay local as well, signing on to play at Temple College for coach Kristen Zaleski's Lady Leopards.
"I am excited and happy," said Wilson. "I think Temple College is one of the best junior colleges and programs out there and I really like the coach (Zaleski)"
Langford, a three-year starter at shortstop and pitcher, signed a letter of intent to play softball at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, joining coach Larry Hennig's Lady Crusaders in 2014. Following her graduation in May, she will trade in the Belton red-and-white for the Cru purple and gold.
"It has been a dream my whole life to go to school here," said Langford. "I get homesick pretty easily and going to school at UMHB was my primary choice."
Whiteside, also a three year starter, signed on to play for Wade Wilson's program at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin.
"(Matt) Blackburn made a call to coach Wilson," said Whiteside. "The coach came and watched me at a tournament. I became very interested in the program and decided to take the chance while I have it. Because I might not get the chance to play softball again."
All three Lady Tigers were excited to share the excitement with not only their Belton teammates, but the families as well.
"The experience has been kind of shocking," said Whiteside. "The excitement has been wonderful."
