By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — Bearcat athletes from multiple sports signed Monday morning to compete at the collegiate level in track, women’s basketball and football, adding to an already impressive roster of 2025 Ruston High graduating seniors heading to play sports at the next level.
Seniors Darrius James, Kiersynce McNeal, Jasmine Summerford and Kaleb Williams held a collective signing event in the Ruston High Auxiliary Gym in front of family, friends and fellow students.
James signed first with Southern Arkansas University, where he will run track for the Muleriders and study political science.
“Any year that you have a senior go on to the next level, it’s a big accomplishment,” Ruston High head track and field coach Trey Smith said. “It’s more challenging today with the transfer portal scene to find a spot where you are valued. The biggest thing about Darrius that I’m proud of is that he’s persevered through a few things and overcome some injuries. He’s going to be better suited forward, knowing how to maintain and take care of his body. And nowadays, the college scene is almost like a stepping-stone to lead to better opportunities. We’re excited to see where this journey begins and see where he’ll end up.”
For James, SAU offered the right atmosphere for both athletics and academics.
“It feels like a family there,” James said. “Every time I go, the coach treats me like a son. And this was such a special day after everything I’ve been through — it means the world to me to sign today.”
Both McNeal and Summerford followed in their signings and will play college basketball for Angelina College and Missouri Valley, respectively.
“These girls have set the standard for our basketball program,” Lady Bearcat head coach Lashanda Cooper said. “For them to be able to attend college and see them be rewarded for their hard work — it’s really good. They laid down the foundation, and the expectation is for our program to grow year-to-year.”
Summerford said she had a hard time believing that she would get to sign a to play at the college level and is excited to study business with a focus on finance.
“In my freshman year, I could never have imagined this,” Summerford said. “I’ve been just giggling all morning, knowing I would be signing my papers today and start a new college family. It was great being a Lady Bearcat, and I’m excited to get my career started at the next level.”
McNeal shared her excitement for getting to play collegiately after the injuries she suffered in her Bearcat career. Like Summerford, she plans to major in business.
“Angelina College made me feel like home,” McNeal said. “It was amazing, and the coaches there are great.”
Lastly, Bearcat defensive lineman Williams signed with Clark Atlanta University where he will join fellow Bearcat senior Payton Bell and will study biology.
“The coaches loved me at CAU, and they are really excited for Payton and me to be together,” Williams said. “They’re going to utilize us in the right now. And I’m very excited to be back with Payton — he’s my brother, and I love him to death.”
Ruston High head coach Jerrod Baugh expressed his excitement for Williams and all the students that have signed this year to play their sport at the college level.
“The defensive line for us these past two or three years has been really a staple that our defense have been built off of,” Baugh said. “Kaleb continued to stick it out and work hard there. He had a great senior year and we’re very proud for him and the opportunity he’s been given.”
