FROM STAFF REPORTS

Several Briarwood Christian athletes recently signed scholarships to play collegiately in their respective sports.

Mallory Mathias signed with the University of Kentucky on an academic scholarship and swimming scholarship.  She was has been a member of Briarwood swim team since seventh grade and was state champion in 2008 in the 500-yard free and in 2010 in the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle.  She plans on studying accounting.

Abbie Cutcliffe signed to run track with Samford University. She holds three school track records at BCS, in the 60-meter, 200-meter and 4×100 relay. She recently medaled in three events at the state meet and was All-County and All-State in soccer and basketball before focusing on track as a junior and senior. Abbie will be studying nutrition at Samford and wants to become a registered dietician.

Hal McKay was an Alabama High School Athletic Association State finalist in 2010, 2011, and 2012, and a Southeastern Swimming Championship finalist in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013. He was a Speedo Sectionals finalist in 2013. Hal will be attending Gardner-Webb University, and is a recipient of the university’s Trustee Scholarship as well as a swimming scholarship. He plans to study environmental sciences.

Alex Gray has received a swimming scholarship with the University of Alabama men’s swimming team and will begin with them in June 2013.  Alex won the 50-yard freestyle event at this year’s AHSAA state meet with a time of 20.95 seconds.  He will be in the pre-dental program at UA with a goal of becoming an oral surgeon.

Sara Smeltzer signed with Samford University to play soccer for the Bulldogs starting in Fall 2013.  Sara is a National Soccer Coaches Association of America 2012 High School All-American, All-South Region honoree and Alabama State Player of the Year.  A two-time captain of the Lions, she was part of the team that won the AHSAA Class 5A State Championship in 2010 and was tabbed MVP of the championship.  A four-star recruit by Top Drawer Soccer, she will pursue an exercise science degree at Samford with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.