Notebook: Several athletes pick colleges

Off to college

Cox soccer teammates pick rival schools

After playing together for the first time in their high school careers, Cox junior soccer players Eric Bird and Drew Hartell now have a four-year intra-state rivalry to look forward to.

Bird has committed to play at Virginia, while Hartell will go to Virginia Tech.

Each has seven goals and four assists for the Falcons, the defending Group AAA champions and ranked No. 1 in South Hampton Roads.

“It’s a testament to their hard work – signing to college is just their reward,” said coach Scott Mead, adding the two players can’t wait to face each other at the next level.

Hartell, who previously played at the U.S. Under-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla., and Norfolk Christian, chose Virginia Tech over Old Dominion and Division III power Messiah (Pa.). Bird picked Virginia over William and Mary.

Lake Taylor girls basketball standout picks Radford

Lake Taylor’s Breshara Gordon, who helped lead the Titans to the program’s first Group AAA state basketball championship, has signed to play at Radford.

Gordon, a senior, is a three-time All-Eastern District selection and scored more than 1,000 career points. She had offers from Liberty, Longwood, Loyola, Towson and Maryland-Baltimore County.

Western Branch track standout headed to Miami

Western Branch senior Jeffrey Lewis has signed to run track at Miami.

It’s been a long road for Lewis. He was ruled ineligible this school year to compete in Virginia High School League-sanctioned meets because his eligibility is up.

But Lewis, 19, ran well last outdoor season to garner the attention of colleges. And running unattached, he clocked 7.40 seconds in the 55 hurdles – the fastest time in the nation – at the Mid-Atlantic Track Classic in Maryland this past indoor season.

“It feels great” said Lewis, who chose Miami over such schools as Virginia and Virginia Tech. “It feels like the whole world has been lifted off my shoulders.”

Three Cox baseball standouts make choices

Three Cox baseball players have made their college choices: pitcher/outfielder Chase Kyriacou is headed to Norfolk State; shortstop Zach Bach to Shelton (Ala.) State junior college; and pitcher/first baseman Grayson Bailey to Louisburg (N.C.) junior college.

Bach, a four-year starter, was a first-team All-Beach pick last season.

Field hockey

Showcase next month

The third annual Focus College Showcase is scheduled for June 28 at the Warhill turf fields in Williamsburg.

More than 700 players participated last year in the event, a 7-on-7 tournament played before a host of college coaches.

For more information and updates, visit focusfieldhockey.com.

- Compiled by Darrell Cuenca, Larry Rubama and Jami Frankenberry