Santa Margarita Athletes Commit to Colleges

Sixteen athletes from Santa Margarita Catholic High signed letters of intent last week, and another has tweeted that he's all-in on his decision to play football in the Pacific Northwest.

It was a good day for football players who helped the Eagles win the Southern Section Pac-5 and Division I State Bowl championships.

Dane Crane (6-3, 305), the No. 3 rated center in the nation, used Twitter to announce that he had committed to play at Washington. He reportedly chose the Huskies over Florida State, Colorado, California, Arizona and San Diego State.

Crane joins a couple of other football players who signed on National Signing Day April 24, Chris Frost and Mack Pierson. Frost, who had 12.5 sacks, signed with Air Force; Pierson, who had an interception that helped turn the Pac-5 championship in Santa Margarita's favor, signed with Pennsylvania. Another football player, Zach Bonte, will attend UCLA to play rugby.

UPDATE: Another football player, defensive back Connor O'Brien (6-3, 205), has committed to Washington. O'Brien had eight interceptions.

Here's a rundown of the signees provided by Santa Margarita:

Alec Berry has committed to play soccer next fall at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Berry played defense and midfield for this year's varsity team that won the South County Classic and reached the Southern Section playoffs.

Zach Bonte of Rancho Santa Margarita will attend UCLA in the fall as a member of the rugby team. Bonte, a member of the football team, has played Rugby for four years on the under 19s club team and has made the Southern California all-star team twice. Bonte will join the Bruin rugby club this fall. Bonte carries a 4.0 GPA.

Pablo Carballo will attend UC Irvine in the fall as a member of the Anteater water polo team. Carballo, a citizen of Mexico, helped to lead the varsity team to a 19-11 overall record, a playoff berth, and a runner-up finish for the Trinity League title. Carballo was named to the First Team All-Trinity League and MVP of the SMCHS team. Carballo is also a member of Mexico’s Junior National Team.

Chris Frost (6-4, 238), a lineman, has committed to the United States Air Force Academy to continue his football career. Frost was named the 2011 Trinity League Defensive Player of the Year, 2011 All-CIF Pac-5 Southern Section Football Team, 2011 All-Orange County team, and the All-California State CIF Football Team. Frost carries a 3.3 GPA and is also a member of the boys' track and field team and competes in the shot and discus.

Ryan Matranga will attend the University of San Francisco next fall as a member of the Dons' baseball team. A career .300 hitter, Matranga plays third base for the Eagles and is a three-year varsity starter. Matranga boasts a 3.5 GPA and looks to contribute at the next level when he joins the Division I ranks as a part of the West Coast Conference.

Amanda Mohajer will play soccer for USC in the fall. Mohajer is an International Baccalaureate certificate candidate, National Honor Society member as well as the California Scholarship Federation. Mohajer maintains a 4.2 GPA, is a member of the West Coast Futbol Club, and competes in the Elite Clubs National League, playing against the top teams in the country. Mohajer is dedicated to the enrichment of her community and volunteers as a cast member for Pageant of the Masters Art Festival and as a Vacation Bible School teacher at her church. In addition, Mohajer served as a coach for Aliso Viejo Christian School in the Parochial Athletic League. 

Gina Navarro of Laguna Niguel will attend San Diego State as a member of the women’s rowing team. Navarro is a two-year member of the Newport Aquatics Center in Newport Beach, where she has competed as a rower and coxswain for NAC. Navarro has also competed on the women’s volleyball and track and field teams during her time at Santa Margarita.

Mack Pierson (5-9, 220), a defensive lineman, was named to the 2011 First Team All-Trinity League, 2011 All-CIF Pac-5 Southern Section football team, and the 2011 All-Orange County team. Pierson committed to the University of Pennsylvania where he will further his football career in the Ivy League. Pierson boasts a 4.02 GPA, is an Eagle Scout, and is a member of the boys' track and field team while competing in the shot, discus, and the 100 meters.

Sarah Porter of Coto de Caza committed to run at Princeton for cross country and track and field. Porter is a four-year varsity athlete in both sports and was most recently crowned the 2011 Trinity League cross country champion. She carries a 4.38 GPA.

Ashley Rhorer of Mission Viejo has committed to UC San Diego for track and field. Rhorer is a three-year varsity athlete who has competed in both hurdle events, as well as the long and triple jump. Rhorer is the 2011 Trinity League champion in the triple jump and will focus her attention on the jumps in college. She carries a 3.98 GPA.

Rachel Roesgen of Coto de Caza committed to San Diego State. She is a two year varsity athlete and will compete in both cross country and track and field for the Aztecs. Roesgen has a 4.29 GPA.

Olivia Romo will take her swimming to the next level in Stockton at the University of Pacific. She set the frosh/soph school record in the 50 backstroke as a freshman and ranks in the school’s all-time Top 15 in the 100 backstroke. Romo is a two-year varsity letter-winner and was voted by her teammates as a varsity team captain this year. She is also a member of the school record-setting 200 backstroke relay.

Alex Simmons of Coto De Caza will join the Cal Lutheran water polo team this fall. A three-year varsity member of the water polo and swim team, Simmons is a two-time All-Trinity League selection and was a team captain this past fall, as well as a team MVP and Coaches Award winner. Simmons has a GPA of 3.75 and was awarded a life membership to the California Scholarship Federation.

Bailey Turk of Dove Canyon signed with UC San Diego to bolster the Eagles presence on the 2013 Triton track and field team. Turk is a three-year varsity athlete that has competed in the 400 meters, 4x400 relay as well as the long and triple jump. Turk is the 2011 Trinity League champion in the long jump and will be competing in both jumping events for the Tritons. Turk is also a two-year varsity athlete in volleyball having competed for the Eagles since her freshman year. 

Caitlyn Uzzi of Coto de Caza has committed to play tennis with Concordia University next fall. Uzzi is a three-year varsity athlete who led the Eagles to three of their last six Trinity League championships. Uzzi was captain of the team her senior year and posted a 39-5 record playing No. 1 doubles.

Chris Walker of Coto de Caza committed to play soccer at Regis University in Denver. Walker is a two year varsity starter and during his senior year he was captain and First Team All-Trinity League after leading the team in goals and scoring.