College signing day was a busy one at Center Grove High School.
During Wednesday’s signing ceremony, a dozen Trojans athletes signed letters of intent to play college sports. They were: Courtney Moriarity, softball, Taylor University; Taylor Pennington, track and field, Indiana University; Amber Perry, soccer, University of Indianapolis; Desi Golden, soccer, St. Catharine College (Kentucky); Hanna Johnson, soccer, Indiana University; Brittnee Gilbert, soccer, University of Memphis; Griffin Miller, cross-country, IUPUI; Tori Long, track and field, Davidson College (North Carolina); Max Norris, football, Western Illinois University; Gavin Everett, football, Western Illinois University; Austin Smogor, football, University of St. Francis; and Brock Exline, soccer, Stetson University (Florida).
At Indian Creek, four athletes signed letters: Braxton Zachery, football, Marian University; Nic Brown, football, Marian University; Ethan Whitaker, football, University of Indianapolis; and Kaitlin Smith, swimming, Asbury University (Kentucky).
At Whiteland, two football players signed letters. Skylar Hall will continue his career at the University of Indianapolis, and Nick Ratti will play at Olivet Nazarine Univesity (Illinois).
Marlin earns national honor
In all, it was quite a week for Jonny Marlin (pictured above).
The former Center Grove standout had per-game averages of 15.5 points 5.0 assists for No. 1 NAIA Division II Indiana Wesleyan during wins against No. 18 Grace and No. 13 St. Francis.
Against St. Francis, Marlin capped a 17-point comeback with a game-winning basket with 1.3 seconds to play.
A junior point guard, Marlin was named the NAIA Division II National Player of the Week. During the stretch, he shot 47.8 percent from the field (11 of 23), made 4 of 8 three-pointers and averaged 2.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals.
Indiana Wesleyan is 22-2 overall and leads the Crossroads League with a 10-2 record in league play.
Local golf pro getting award
Amber Pasel, the head pro at Hickory Stick Golf Club, is one of three Indiana golf pros who will be presented 2015 Merchandiser of the Year Awards from the Indiana Section PGA.
In addition to teaching, Pasel’s responsibilities encompass all golf operations, including tournaments, food and beverage and merchandising. She estimates she spend 20 percent of her time each week on merchandising activities.
Hickory Stick sold more than $162,000 in merchandise in 2014, according to the Indiana PGA Section, despite rounds being down nearly 22 percent the past three years.
Much of Pasel’s merchandising success was attributed to increasing women’s apparel sales by 79 percent.
Pasel has been the head pro since October 2012. She joined Hickory Stick as an assistant pro in 2010.
Trojans welcome new coach
Jameson McLaughlin, a former assistant coach for the Center Grove boys soccer team, is the Trojans’ new head coach.
He was hired after former coach Todd Sheely resigned his teaching and coaching positions last week.
McLaughlin had been an assistant boys coach for eight years, including the past two under Sheely.
