His mind racing, Senior Parker Towns grabs the black pen and signs the paper. Though this signature may seem insignificant, it opens up a whole new chapter in his life – his dreams of playing football come true. Parker is just one of four athletes who signed to play their respective sports in college, along with Seniors Jack Tabor, Joseph Banul, and Andrew Gilchrist.
Parker Towns ‘18
Parker Towns ‘18 committed to Rice University on signing day, where he will play football for the Owls. Towns commented that “Rice combined everything I was looking for in a college into one. They were a top academic university, I enjoyed my visit and interactions with the students, and I really feel the football program is the best place for me to continue my career.” After many great years of football at Jesuit, Towns feels ready to play at the next level.
“I am feeling excited after signing and am anxious to get started learning the system and preparing to compete for the starting spot as soon as I arrive,” Towns stated. “I enjoy playing football and sports in general because I love competition, and how it requires a whole bunch of different people all working together towards a common goal.”
Towns will be joining Jesuit alumnus Josh Cummings ’14 at Rice in the football program. “I had the privilege of meeting Josh while I was down on my visit and I am really looking forward to playing with him. It’s always good to go in knowing a familiar face.”
Jack Tabor ‘18
Jack Tabor ‘18 committed to the United States Naval Academy on signing day, where he will continue to play lacrosse for the Midshipmen. “I have wanted to go [there] since I can remember. What really drew me there is the brotherhood. Its similar to Jesuit except you know that everyone there is willing to give their life for you and you are willing to do the 
same. So I think it is the inseparable bond that is created and the similarities between all the Midshipmen is what really drew my attention.”
Even though his lucrative high school lacrosse career is drawing to a close, Tabor ‘18 is still excited for the next chapter in his career.
“I’m ecstatic. I think it finally hit me after signing what I was truly getting myself into, and I couldn’t be more excited. It is just nice having a plan figured out and knowing that I am getting to attend my dream school while doing what I love at the same time.”
For him, lacrosse is not just a sport; it is his way to forget about the world around him.
“I love playing lacrosse because it is my escape from everyday life. It’s a fast-paced sport and there is never a boring moment. My teammates are my second family, so it is pretty much-having fun and competing with all your brothers and getting to take time out of the day to decompress.”
Joseph Banul ‘18
Joseph Banul ‘18 will be attending Colorado State University-Pueblo, where he will play soccer for the Thunderwolves. “The program is very competitive and it’s been something I’ve been working for. The school also has a nice business program which I wish to pursue.”
Banul ‘18 also feels quite excited about his next venture in his soccer career.
“I feel great after signing, it’s great to be able to take what I’ve learned at Jesuit both on the academic and athletic side and take it into the next four years of my college career.”
Banul’s soccer coach, Coach Charlie DeLong, is also excited for him.
Andrew Gilchrist ‘18
Andrew Gilchrist ‘18 committed to Rhodes College on signing day, where he will play soccer for the Lynx.
Banul and Gilchrist’s soccer coach, Coach Charlie DeLong, is also excited for them.
“I think it’s great that these two young men get a chance to go on and play [soccer] in college. If that’s what they want to do, I think that’s good – they both picked two fine locations. [College soccer] is tough and very demanding but they are going to embrace that and they certainly have the abilities and the mindset to be successful.”
DeLong also remarked that coaching these athletes has been quite a privilege.
“They have been a joy to coach. They’re easy to coach, they’re good boys, they’re hard workers, they’re good players, they’re team leaders. I would like to have a group like that every year – it would be easy for me to coach.”
These 4 students are just some of the seniors who have decided to continue their athletic careers in college. There will be one last signing day later in the semester. Good luck to all the athletes who signed from The Roundup.
