Usually the first Wednesday of February, is the first day that a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for college football with a school that is a member of the United States National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This day is known as National Signing Day. Luckily for our football team, we had two players who signed on this day. Bj Tuimalatu signed with Southern Utah University and Lyric Bartley signed with Washington State University.

Senior Tuimalatu was part of the defensive end and defensive tackle on the football team. He is very happy with his decision of signing and is excited for the moment to leave.

“I chose SUU, mainly, because they were the first school to invite me to an official visit on their campus to see what they have to offer,” he shares. SUU is a safe, residential campus which allows students to create lifelong friendships and opportunities to participate in over 160 clubs and organizations. Tuimalatu had the chance to even go on a college visit to SUU and says, “to be honest, the trip was the most amazing experience I have ever been through in my entire life so far. Many people think it’s below average, but they don’t really see the whole picture.” His eagerness to further his education and skills to play college football will definitely help him bring his family name to the top.

Another defensive end and offensive lineman senior athlete, Lyric Bartley, made his decision to also further his education at Wazzu.

WSU pursues to inspire better education every day for better lives. Bartley is good all around in this famous sport. He has also had experiences of playing quarterback.  “I’m hoping to be a defensive end at the next level, so it will be important to get bigger and faster,“ Bartley said. he continues to work hard each day until the day he leaves for Washington State. With his skills and effort, he will without a doubt be a huge aspect to the Washington State Cougars. “Lyric has come a long way to get to where he is now through obedience and hard work,” coach Pala Vaituu says. Bartley is a family man and never forgets where his talents come from. All glory to God.