Four AACS seniors have signed to play their respective sport in college next year. Athletic Director Jim Domoracki said, "What a blessing these four have been. They work hard, are respectful and humble. They have been a joy to watch over the years. It is great to see each one of them have the chance to continue to compete at the college level."
Will Bickhart has signed with Taylor University in Upland, IN to play baseball. Bickhart has been a 4-year varsity baseball player along with 4 years of cross country. He has been playing baseball for 13 years, primarily at 1st base. During his junior year, Bickhart participated in the all-state baseball game. He also served as Student Life prefect during his senior year.
Bickhart chose Taylor University for the similar community and environment that he experienced at AACS. Taylor continued the Christian morals that have been built at AACS. He will study history education while there.
AACS has given him a place to create Godly Christian friendships that he will carry with him into college. He credits Head Coach Jim Simms for making him the baseball player he is today. With Coach Simms' help on the diamond, Bickhart is now at the stage of being able to compete at the next level.
Madi DiAngelo has signed with Wesley College in Dover, DE to play lacrosse. DiAngelo has been a 4-year varsity lacrosse player along with 4 years of cheerleading and 3 years of soccer. She has played lacrosse for 12 years with her primary position being attack, but has played each position on the field. She is apart of the 2015 and 2016 championship teams and has won multiple school awards including Athlete of the Month and The Rock.
DiAngelo chose Wesley for the welcoming family-like environment. While being an out-of-state school, she liked that it was still close to home. While at Wesley, she plans on studying Exercise Science.
AACS has challenged her in the classroom with the rigorous school work and drive to succeed. She has learned how to play in a competitive league among multiple sports. She has become well-rounded through being a 3-sport athlete every year in high school.
DiAngelo recommends taking every opportunity to play a sport in high school and if given the opportunity to play at the next level, to take it. The memories are everlasting.
Amanda Wadsworth has signed with Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, PA to play lacrosse. Wadsworth has been a 4-year varsity lacrosse player along with 3 years of cross country and 1 year of soccer. She has played lacrosse for 13 years from the midfield position with a transition to attack in middle school. She has received All-County and All-Conference honors multiple times throughout her high school career. She is also apart of the 2015 and 2016 championship teams. Some of her highest athletic achievements are becoming the school leader for career points with 390 total points, holding the record in the county for total points, and being #2 in the state for total points.
Wadsworth chose Messiah for the campus, the lacrosse team, and the Christian focus that the College has. After her overnight visit, she knew this was the place for her. The welcoming nature of the team made her feel right at home. Wadsworth plans to study Elementary Education with a Dual Certification in Special Ed.
AACS has been a big part of her development both academically and athletically. In school, there is a constant strive to seek truth and ask good questions to further understand. She has been challenged to think deeper about each subject from a Christian worldview. In everything she does, AACS has taught her to keep God at the center and do it all for Him. Many coaches have been noted as being of great help in preparation for lacrosse both in-season and in the off-season.
Wadsworth is thankful for her parents constant support throughout her playing career; for constant hours of encouragement and practicing with her.
Cal Anderson has also signed with Taylor University in Upland, IN to play baseball. Anderson has been a 4-year varsity baseball player. He has played baseball for 13 years and has played almost every position on the field. During his senior year, he hit a 350 ft. home run and finished the final 15 games of the season hitting .349 from behind the plate.
Anderson chose Taylor University for the great atmosphere on campus. From the student life to the school spirit, he knew this was the place for him. Their baseball team has been very successful and have great coaches to lead the team.
The challenging academic environment at AACS has given him the tools to thrive in college. AACS has not only helped him in the classroom and on the field, but also in his walk with Christ. Doing everything in the name of the Lord has been a guide to Anderson throughout his 13 years at AACS. AACS has helped keep him focused on being a man of Christ in all aspects of life.