Park Hill South senior Lucas Oitker, above, has signed to play football at Washburn University next fall.
With inclement weather postponing National Signing Day, four Park Hill South athletes made commitments to play college sports on Feb. 9.
Three Park Hill South football players will be continuing their athletic careers after helping lead the Panthers to an 11-1 record this past fall. Park Hill South running back Lucas Oitker signed with Washburn University, Liam Aldridge signed with William Jewell College as a long snapper and Panther offensive lineman Ethan Hellebusch signed with the University of Missouri.
In his senior campaign, Oitker rushed for 1,047 yards and scored 10 touchdowns on the ground. Hellebusch was a unanimous Kansas City Suburban Conference Red Division First Team selection, while Aldridge made the Red Division Second Team.
The final Panther who made the commitment is Kate Hermelink, who will be playing soccer at the University of Central Missouri next fall. Hermelink helped lead the Panthers to the Class 4 State Quarterfinals last season and will look to make a big impact again this spring season.