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Central Mountain holds signing day for student-athletes

Signing day at Central Mountain is always a special day for not just the athletes themselves, but the family members. Throughout the years, the support system they offer to their sons or daughters push them to who they are today.

Some of the athletes honored Wednesday at Central Mountain’s signing day included Avery Baker (basketball), Olivia Anastos (tennis), Riley Houser (softball), Alyssa Fisher (softball), Jacob Welch (football), Paul Miller (track & field), and Cy Probst (baseball).

Baker committed to Pennsylvania College of Technology to continue playing basketball and majoring in Sports Management. She was a member of the national honors society at CMHS. For basketball, she has been recognized as a PHAC all-star three years, including as a Division One MVP. Baker was also part of the 2021 Heartland Conference championship team. She also finished her basketball journey at Central Mountain as the school’s all-time leader in three-point shots made with 124.

“The most important thing I looked at in a college was having the team structure,” said Baker. “I love the coach and the team; they have great support. I’ll have other people to fall back on.”

Central Mountain throughout the years have meant a lot to Baker as well.

“They were my whole world; it was something I really dedicated a lot of my life to and I’ll never forget the memories I made.”

Anastos signed with California University of Pennsylvania to carry on with tennis, majoring in Health Science. Anastos was member of the national honors society at CMHS.

“I liked the campus and the area, because it’s not a big community,” said Anastos.

For tennis at Central Mountain, Anastos’ memories are everlasting.

“I made really good friendships playing tennis,” said Anastos. “And at the matches, I always had a good time, winning or losing. I was just glad to be out there playing the sport I love.”

Houser is continuing her softball pursuits at Keystone College, dual majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Houser helped the Wildcats to a district title in 2019 and has been a starter since her freshman year.

“I heard a great review from one of my travel ball players,” said Houser. “She said all the girls are very nice and are willing to help you. Their coaches are absolutely amazing and I really wanted to join the team.”

Houser will miss the memories she stored in at Central Mountain.

“Leaving this place is definitely going to be sad for senior night,” said Houser.

Fisher is committing to Penn State Altoona to continue her softball ambitions, majoring in Kinesiology. Fisher was part of the 2019 district championship team as a second baseman and was part of the 2021 Heartland Conference championship team for basketball.

“The campus itself was gorgeous,” said Fisher. “I knew the second I stepped on, it was my home for the next four years.”

Fisher announced her decision to her extended family on Christmas Eve.

“On Christmas Eve, we got everyone from the family something for Christmas from Penn State Altoona,” said Fisher. “That’s when I told them where I was going. No one knew, only my close relatives, like my brother and parents knew, but everyone else didn’t know. Everyone were super excited that I wasn’t going too far, and they’ll be able to watch.”

Central Mountain has meant the world to Fisher.

“They’ve meant everything to me,” said Fisher. “The two sports I played, basketball and softball have made me to who I am today.”

Welch is heading to Lycoming College to his passion in football, majoring in business. Welch was a two-year varsity captain for the Wildcats and a first-team all-conference offensive guard and first-team all-state nose guard.

“I went on a visit there and I met the defensive coordinator for Lycoming, Coach Wiser,” said Welch. “And as soon as he talked to me and all the coaches shook my hand, it felt like a big family, just like Central Mountain.” Welch felt the benefits of Central Mountain to his studies.

“Central Mountain athletics have helped me excel as a student, because it kept me on top of my work and helped me improve my time management skills,” said Welch.

Miller is proceeding to Keystone College to continue his track & field desires, majoring in Pre-Physical Therapy.

“I went out and saw that there were beautiful woods out there and a lot of trails,” said Miller. “It made me want to go even more.”

Probst is committing to Maine College to continue his baseball aspirations, majoring in Biology. Probst was a member of the national honors society and a part of the 2016 State champion keystone little league team.

“I was at a showcase down at Philadelphia area and they had an assistant coach there that I had a pretty good relationship with,” said Probst. “It drove me to look at their university. University is beautiful, I knew right away that’s where I want to play to go to school.”

Probst admired the time he experienced at Central Mountain.

“This high school experience has been amazing,” said Probst. “I’m very grateful for it. I will never forget my first day here. Going through the years here have been incredible and again, very thankful and grateful for all the experiences.”

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