By KELLY GILFILLAN
Brentwood Home Page
Ravenwood High School hosted an impressive five college athletic signings on Wednesday, November 10.  Five RHS seniors, four girls and one boy, committed to playing golf and volleyball and to swim.

Dr. Reggie Mason, who emceed the event, told the athletes, “We appreciate what you have all done for our school.  We look forward to you signing on the dotted line and heading off to your future academic and athletic careers.”

Mason, being the dedicated Raptor representative and a good sport, donned a new tie or sweater in the color of each athlete's future school.

Top row: Lauren Caballero, Coach Dan Hollandsworth Front row:  Tammy, Brenden and Donovan Caballero

Top row: Angela Curb, Pat and Yvonne Wilhelm, Mark Walker Front row: John, Kim and Tara Davis

Top row: Jay Goldstyn, Tracey Berry, Kat Hutson, Gale Zeno, Coach Clyde Front row:  John, Madelyn and Jane Hutson

Coach Dan Hollandsworth joins Brian, Taylor and Katie Manning.

Top row: Austin Turk, Pat & Yvonne Turk, Bradley Farmer, Dan Hollandsworth, Ned Michaels Front row: Ron, Natalie and Stacy Turk

Brendon Caballero signed his commitment letter to the University of Tennessee Martin for golf, a few weeks after a fifth place finish in the TSSAA State Championship.

“It was fairly simple.  I felt at home there and I like the country feel to it,” said Caballero.  “I’m excited and ready to go.”

RHS golf coach Dan Hollandsworth told the gathered crowd that Cabellero was the first golf scholarship at Ravenwood and that it was a Division 1 scholarship was more exciting.

“Tryouts in 2006 were really impressive.  It didn’t take a really smart guy to figure out we were about to have a great run,” said Hollandsworth.  “Brendon is a great guy and has become a good friend.”

When asked about the rigorous application process for the armed forces academies, Davis replied, “You basically have four separate applications.  You apply through the regular school and then apply to get nominations from both senators and a congressman.  I committed last week.”

Both her RHS swim coach, Angela Curb, and her Excel Aquatics swim coach, Mark Walker, spoke on Davis career in high school.

“Kim has been very energetic, fun and a tough competitor,” said Curb.  “She looks to be our number one contributor this year and we will definitely miss her dearly.  She brings us lots of points in her individual races but also in the relays.”

Walker said many people would not know that Davis is less than a second off a 2012 Olympic trial time in one of her strokes.

“This is just a milestone for her and will do extremely well at the Air Force Academy,” said Walker.

Madelyn Hutson is headed to the University of Texas to play volleyball and will leave for Austin in January to start as a full-time student.  Hutson committed early in her high school career to play for this program which was number two in the nation last year and is ranked number seven this year.

“I will graduate in December but will come back and walk in graduation with my class,” said Hutson.  “Texas has had a lot of people come in early.  It help you get acclimated to school before the season starts.  They also play beach ball in the spring.”

Hutson had four coaches to stand with her during the signing including Tracey Berry, the head RHS coach, Jay Goldstyn, former Impact coach, Gale Zeno, her Woodland Middle School coach, and Coach Clyde her strengthening and speed coach.

Berry, who coached Hutson for the last two years at RHS, stated, “What she has done for this program has been extraordinary.  Last year with her guidance the team came in second at state and this year we were state champions.  What she did in that final match earned her the MVP award.”

Berry went on to state that in just the last two years of stats, Hutson had 1200 kills, 300 blocks, and 150 aces.

Goldstyn described Hutson as a versatile player and says she could play any front row position for Texas.

“She won nationals with the Juniors, a State Championship in high school, so the next step is to win the NCAA National Championship.”

Zeno also added, “it was a pleasure and honor to coach this young lady.”  Coach Clyde said Hutson’s heart is bigger than even she is and he was honored to have worked with her.

Taylor Manning signed to play golf with Division 1 University of Alabama, the number one program in the nation this year.

“Taylor is an amazing competitor and wants to win,” said Hollandsworth.  “We have had an enjoyable four years and a lot of fun.  Her drive will allow her to do amazing things at Alabama.”

Manning, who game decked out in Bama houndstooth print dress, said this will be one of the most important off seasons she will ever have. 

“I need to perfect my swing until it is automatic,” said Manning. “I will have tremendous pressure since Alabama ranks as the number one seed in the country.”

Manning said she would like to go pro but will see how it all goes in college first.

Last but not least (just alphabetical) is Natalie Turk, who signed with the University of Memphis also for golf.

Ned Michaels, who has coached Turk outside of high school golf, said it was easy for him to tell potential schools about her.

“It was always easy to say she would be a great teammate,” said Michaels. “No matter what happens with the golf, the ups and downs, her character will sustain her.”

Turk will also spend the off season preparing.

“I want to be really prepared going in,” said Turk. “I think getting to know the girls on the team has really prepped me.  Coach Beth Harrelson and the girls cinched the decision for me.”

Another Turk supporter, Bradley Farmer, stated, “Character and hard work is what it takes to be this kind of athlete.  We look forward to watching you over the next four years.”