It was a big day in the media center at Daviess County High School on Thursday, as six Panthers—a mix of cheerleaders, swimmers and a baseball player—took the next step in their academic and athletic careers by signing with their respective colleges/universities.
Cheerleading
Daviess County cheerleading had three of its leaders commit to their future programs on Thursday, as Emma Grace Clark signed with the University of Southern Indiana, Madisyn Montgomery signed with Lindsey Wilson College and BreOnna Griffith signed with Georgetown College.
Panthers cheer assistant coach Sally Ward said she was proud of all three cheerleaders’ impact on the program in recent years, also noting that the program is sad to see the young women go but is excited for their futures.
“We are all so proud of you in sending these three seniors off to another program to continue your cheer careers,” Ward said. “All three of these girls are top notch and have brought something very special to our program.”
Ward shared a word that they left each cheerleader with — a tradition for all of the seniors that began when Head Coach Kitty Jones, Ward and the rest of the coaching staff took over 5 years ago.
Clark’s word was reliable, as Ward said that she was a reliable teammate and was always dedicated to the team. Griffith’s word was bold, as she was always willing to take risks, loved competing and loved her team.
And Montgomery’s word was unique, as Ward said the once quiet leader is one of a kind and her eagerness to learn and improve has played a big part in Daviess County cheer’s success.
The trio all thanked their respective support groups for being alongside them in their respective journeys, while thanking the Daviess County coaching staff and their teammates for constantly pushing them to be their best.
Swimming
After dominant runs with the program, Daviess County swimming’s Trevor Church signed to join the University of Indianapolis while Ella Johnson signed with the University of Southern Indiana.
Panthers swimming Head Coach Jordan Loucks spoke about the impressive senior duo, noting that Church and Johnson both have left a long-lasting impact on the program.
“Trevor and Ella, I think they are once in a couple decade swimmers,” Loucks said. “They’re the ones that you get that all the other teams are envious of. The ones that come in and save the day. They’re leaders inside the pool and outside the pool, school-record holders, city-county record holders. I’m very lucky to have been able to coach them and watch them go professionally, athletically, academically and personally.”
Church thanked his many coaches, family, and his teammates, noting that he will miss the many memories he’s made at Daviess County but is excited to continue his career at the University of Indianapolis.
Johnson did the same, thankful for the countless hours and effort from her supporters that have given her the chance to continue swimming at the collegiate level.
“I also want to thank all my teammates and my parents for all of their support,” Johnson said. “I really feel like I couldn’t have done it without you guys and I’m just really grateful for this amazing opportunity to swim at USI.”
Baseball
Daviess County’s man behind the plate, Cason Troutman, is staying close to home for academic and athletic pursuits at the collegiate level, having signed with Brescia University on Thursday.
Panthers Head Coach Austin Clay said that it was “crazy” to see Troutman making this decision, having known him the senior he was young. Clay said he knows that Troutman will be sorely missed within the program.
“I’ve always known he was going to be good,” Clay said. “Everybody has seen his physical skill. But the thing that stands out to me and the thing that I will miss and our team will miss, it’s like having another coach on the field… We’re going to miss him tremendously. Just an overall great person… Once a Panther, always a Panther.”
Cason thanked his coaches, family, friends and of course his teammates for helping him to have the chance to continue to play the game he loves. Troutman is hitting .324 during his senior season, as he has helped the Panthers to a 13-13 record going into their regular season finale with Butler County at 7 p.m. on Friday.
