A purple cloth with white stripes covers a table. Purple balloons labeled with a horned frog surround the table on both sides. Behind the clutter of decorations, senior Isaiah Manning stares at a solid black line located at the bottom of a piece of paper. The audience fills the stands and after a few minutes of chatter, the main gym becomes silent and Manning begins his thank you speech.
Manning, who plays power forward, signed to Texas Christian University. Every year, the nation holds a National Signing Day, at which athletes can make an official decision to play a sport at a college or university. On Nov. 10, 2022, Mansfield Legacy High School basketball and baseball teams each held a signing.
“[TCU] is a great fit for me,” Manning said. “After spending some time there, I know that they need what I bring to the table.”
Generations of Manning’s family played sports when they went to college. His grandfather, John Harper, played football for Louisville College, and his father, Brandon Manning, ran track for Midland College. Both athletes, along with Manning’s mother, Johnnjalyn Manning, want to continue to support his journey through college.
“He’s always been athletic, but clumsy at the same time,” Ms. Manning said. “He always worked towards being the best at whatever he did.”
Seniors Dylan Schlaegel, Parker Ibrahimi, Luke Devasher, Blake Julius and Diego Sanchez from Legacy’s varsity baseball team signed commitment letters to different colleges. Senior Dylan Schlaegel plans to play for Dallas Baptist University. Schlaegel played every position throughout his career, but for the past few years, he’s primarily played centerfield.
“They’re a bunch of great people at DBU,” Schlaegel said. “I’m looking forward to working with people that have the same goal as me.”
Schlaegel will be the first person in his family to play a sport in college. His dad, Todd Schlaegel, reflects on Schlaegel’s past games and he wants him to continue to push himself through college.
“There were plenty of people in our family that had the ability to play sports, they just didn’t get that far,” Mr. Schlaegel said. “He’s going to a D1 baseball school which shows he’s more than ready.”
Ibrahimi signed to Midland College. He plays shortstop for the baseball team and hopes play professionally.
Ibrahimi thanks Coach Christopher McMullen for the constant encouragement throughout the years. Coach McMullen coached Ibrahimi for all four of his years at Legacy and always wanted to keep an eye out on him.
“Parker is a guy that’s always had talent,” Coach McMullen said. “He treats guys the right way and I have been privileged to be a part of his journey.”
The next set of signings will occur on Dec. 21, 2022 for football players. Other sports will have their chance to hold a signing in late Spring of 2023.
“Looking back I would tell myself to be determined,” Manning said. “One day, that work and effort would become something big.”
