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Arlington ISD, Athletes Celebrate National Signing Day

National Signing Day 2016
Recruiting Classes: Baylor, Houston, Texas, Texas A&M
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Photos: National Signing Day in Pictures

All the years of hard work, sweat, and perseverance finally paid off high school athletes across North Texas Wednesday. It was National Signing Day, when their dreams of playing at the next level become reality.

"Yeah, it feels real," said Tonea Marshall, a track athlete at Seguin High School in Arlington.

Marshall was one of more than 75 student athletes from the Arlington ISD to submit their letters of intent. After helping the Cougars earn their first state title in any sport, she's taking her talents to LSU.

"This was a hard decision," said Marshall. "So it feels very accomplishing.”

NBC 5’s David Watkins breaks down all the action throughout the metroplex on National Signing Day.

Sam Houston High School Cornerback Eric Ward also had a tough decision to make, committing himself to more than just football.

“At first, honestly, I was nervous," said Ward, who committed to the Air Force Academy. "Because I was always one who said I’d never go into the military.”

But a visit to the academy was all the convincing he needed to sign with the Falcons and become part of something bigger than himself.

“They gave me an opportunity I can’t get at most other colleges around the country, so I’m excited to get up there," said Ward.

“From the brink of death to college bound. God’s work is good work,” writes the father (an NBC 5 photojournalist) of Corey Dooley, who has signed his letter of intent to Concordia University in Chicago.

Twins Taven and Jasen Christopher are also excited about their futures. The only one who may be happier is their mother.

“It really didn’t matter to us [if we went to the same college]," said Taven Christopher. "But at the end of the day, our mother would love it.”

The twin football players from Arlington High School will continue their gridiron careers at Southeastern Oklahoma State.

“It kind of reminded us of home – the town, the coaches there," said Jasen Christopher. "And we wanted to go somewhere that we could get a great education."

Some Arlington ISD athletes literally couldn't wait to embark on that journey. Four-star recruits Shane Buechele (Texas) and Chris Owens (Alabama) were among those who enrolled early at their respective universities and are already enjoying college life.

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