This year’s batch of college signees brought loved ones and smiles to Centralia on April 22.

Ava Ward, Carter Moss, Dryst Bostick and Rachael Crowe each signed national letters of intent to compete at the college level. Ward will wrestle for McKendree University, Moss will run cross country and track for State Fair Community College, Bostick will run cross country and track for Columbia College, and Rachel Crowe will be in competitive cheer for Columbia College.

Ward has earned various medals and championships at the state, national and international level in her career and capped her high school career with a Class 1 girls 135-pound state championship this year. Head coach Mike Adkisson said Ward shouldn’t have any problem adjusting to the NCAA Division II competition at McKendree because she has been wrestling at the elite level for a while.

“Ava has worked extremely hard for a long time for this moment,” Adkisson said. “Her success in the sport of wrestling opened the eyes of many in our area and around the nation. It is an honor to see her achieve all that she has on her journey. She has meant so much to Centralia and our women's wrestling program. She has helped set a standard for all of the girls in our community who aspire to go on and achieve great things.”

Moss and Bostick were part of the boys cross country teams the past two years that earned the program’s first state trophy with a third-place finish in 2023 and then the school’s first cross country state championship last season. Moss was all-state both seasons and Bostick was all-state in 2023. Head coach Jason Watermann said they each have been valuable to the program the past four years and each are the type to lead by example and work hard even when nobody is watching.

“From the very start, he's been someone who stands out — not just because of this talent, but because of his dedication and relentless drive,” Watermann said. “Carter has always approached every challenge with a smile, fierce determination and a commitment to improving, no matter what it takes. What makes Carter truly special is his work ethic. He's never been one to shy away from putting in the hours behind the scenes, whether it's grinding through difficult workouts or pushing through when things get tough.

“Dryst has been a part of this program for all four years of high school, and from day one, he showed us what it truly means to be committed, focused and driven. Whether it was early morning practices, long training days, or tough meets. What sets Dryst apart isn't just his athletic ability but his work ethic, his determination and the way he quietly leads by example.”

Head coach Rebekah Kroph said Crowe showed the necessary qualities for a college competitive cheerleader over her four years with Centralia, who finished second at last year’s Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association State Competition. Crowe joins a Columbia College program that finished fourth at Varsity NCA Nationals in Daytona, Florida, in mid-April while setting a program record overall score of 74.985.

“During that time, she was one of the most dedicated, hardworking and spirited cheerleaders I had,” Kroph said. “Rachael is someone who always tries her hardest and does her best whether it is at a practice or a game. I think she will be a great fit on the Columbia College cheer team because she is someone who really has a passion for cheer. She will be a dedicated and hardworking member of their team.”