Gridley High School athletes gather during the school’s fourth annual Signing Night on May 20. Front row, from left: Valentin Sanchez, Omar Palafox, Alina Jackson, Cesar Alvarez, Nery Martinez, Lex Alcantar, Avery Mendenhall and Billy Routon. Back row, from left: Carlos Sanchez-Vega, Christian Young, Jason Davis Jr. and Tanner Abbott. Photo by Mickey MraKuzic

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Guardian Building filled with athletes, coaches and family members on May 20 as Gridley High School celebrated 12 graduating seniors who signed with college athletic programs during the school’s fourth annual Signing Night.

Gridley High School Athletic Director Jessica Paiva welcomed guests and recognized the athletes for their accomplishments on and off the field.

“We honor and celebrate your hard work, dedication and the incredible achievements of this remarkable group of seniors taking your talents to the next level,” Paiva said. “Tonight, athletes, it’s about you. Tonight is more than just a signing night, but the start of your next chapter in your story.”

Athletes from softball, baseball, soccer, track and field, cross country, swimming and football participated in the event.

Paiva said 10 of the athletes committed to junior colleges while two signed with universities. Butte College will receive seven Gridley athletes: Avery Mendenhall, Omar Palafox, Cesar Alvarez, Lex Alcantar, Nery Martinez, Alina Jackson and Valentin Sanchez.

Carlos Sanchez-Vega signed with Yuba College for soccer while Christian Young committed to Yuba College for baseball.

Three athletes signed with four-year universities outside the area. Jason Davis Jr. committed to UC Davis for football; Tanner Abbott signed with UC Santa Barbara for baseball and Billy Routon committed to UC Santa Cruz for swimming.

Coaches joined Paiva in speaking about each athlete’s accomplishments during the panel-style ceremony.

Jackson, Mendenhall and Alcantar helped lead Gridley’s softball team to its first state championship in more than 30 years. Palafox won back-to-back section championships in soccer, while Sanchez-Vega competed at both section and state championships.

Davis earned All-American recognition and national ranking honors in football. Routon completed an undefeated league swimming career. Abbott earned praise for a 134-strikeout baseball season, while Young helped secure a section championship. Martinez also was recognized for his leadership as a team captain.

The ceremony celebrated the athletes’ achievements and marked the beginning of their college athletic careers.