NORTH SHELBY – Nine Oak Mountain High School athletes will further their careers at the college level after declaring their intentions during a Signing Day ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at the school.

Kyle Dudley, assistant principal in charge of athletics, told those in attendance that the students being recognized have represented the school well in terms of their performances but also how they conduct themselves and the choices they make.

“There’s still a lot more to go from these guys,” Dudley said.

Those signing to play in college included:

• Trey Allen, track and field for the University of Louisville
• Zach Brown, lacrosse for Oglethorpe University
• Collin Cartwright, soccer for Bellhaven University
• Clay Collins, football for the University of Alabama Birmingham
• Nik Heino, football for Lindsey Wilson College
• Tyler Martin, football for Rhodes College
• Zykeius Strong, football for Hutchinson Community College
• Cole Thomas, football for Lindsey Wilson College
• Cody Wells, soccer for the University of Tampa

OMHS football coach Cris Bell said a total of nine seniors off the team could wind up playing football in college, which would be a school record.

Bell talked about each of the five who signed on Feb. 6, noting Collins’ 4.0 Grade Point Average, Martin’s role as the team’s long snapper, Heino’s and Strong’s stand-out play and Thomas’ will to excel.

“Cole is one of those guys that defies all odds,” Bell said.

Track and field coach Riley White said Allen ended his high school career holding state and school records.

“Trey has done a lot of incredible things for us,” White said.

Oak Mountain’s lacrosse coach said Brown signing was a testament to his work ethic.

“He has worked his butt off to get where he is today,” he said.

Soccer coach David DiPiazza called Wells “a tremendous young man” and said Cartwright is “quite skilled for his size.”