At South Medford around 3:30 pm Monday, James Duane, a tight end and linebacker for the Panthers football team, committed to continuing playing football for Western Oregon University in the fall. He was joined at his signing by his teammates and coaches as Duane looked forward to his future as part of the Wolves team.

“It’s going to be fun,” Duane said at his signing. “When you have that motivation when you first start playing as a freshman… it’s just like the new experience again where you have to work your way up the chain and earn your spot.”

Just 30 minutes later in Central Point, Averi Young, a physical post player for the Comets girl’s basketball team, signed her letter of intent to continue her basketball career at WOU. Young was joined at her event by her current teammates, coaches, family members, and school officials.