In the third National Signing Day ceremony of the 2023-2024 academic year, Orange Lutheran celebrated 10 student athletes from two sports as they made their commitments to compete at the collegiate level.
 
Family and friends gathered in the Ellwein Center to honor the senior Lancers' accomplishments and were welcomed by Orange Lutheran Athletic Director Karen Kekipi.
 
"One of my favorite things is getting to be up here to celebrate all of our student athletes," said Kekipi. "Over the years, being able to watch you guys display your God-given talents out in your respective sports is a true perk of working in athletics. It's so much fun to see all of the family and friends come and support you. Without them, you wouldn't have gotten to all of your practices, training sessions…It's just a really exciting opportunity today to be here and celebrate with you all."
 
Baseball
 
Nine varsity athletes from OLu's baseball program have signed letters of intent to continue their playing careers at the next level.
 
Derek Curiel
 
Four-year varsity player and baseball standout Derek Curiel has committed to play at LSU. The Lancer outfielder has a number of accolades to his name, including All-Trinity League, All-County, All-CIF and All-State honors.

OLu baseball associate head coach RJ Farrell spoke of Curiel's growth in not only his skill set but his ability to handle the spotlight and navigate what comes with being a highly decorated player, all while keeping his faith at the center of everything he does.
 
"One thing that's really awesome is we knew he was a very faith-based kid when he got here, but as he's matured, his ability to just have normal conversations about his faith or let it come out in a team setting has been really cool," said Farrell. "I think it's something that's going to help propel him as he keeps moving forward."
 
Curiel is a USA Baseball 18U National Team member and Perfect Game Player of The Year. He also has the potential to be a high draft pick in next month's 2024 MLB Draft.
 
"I want to give all the glory to God for giving me the ability to play baseball," said Curiel. "I want to thank my parents for all the sacrifices they have made for me to be here. I wouldn't be here without my family and coaches. Thank you, OLu."
 
 
Ben Reiland
 
Lancer outfielder Ben Reiland is headed to Oklahoma State University. The four-year varsity starter is a 2^nd Team All-Trinity League honoree and embodies the perseverance and attitude needed to deal with the adversity that comes with the game.
 
"There's been some ups and downs in his career, but I think it's made him into the teammate and the leader that he really is," said Farrell. "When you look at this young man, you're looking at what exemplifies a Lancer graduate in terms of their character, their servant leadership, and just the person that we want them to be as they step off and fulfill whatever mission their life's going to drive for them."
 
Reiland is thankful to those around him who have helped him achieve his goals.
 
"I would like to thank all my coaches for helping me be the player I am today," said Reiland. "I also would like to thank my parents for allowing me to have this opportunity. I couldn't have done it without them and their many sacrifices."
 
 
Vinny Hudson
 
Lancer Vinny Hudson has signed with University of Arizona. Hudson came to OLu as a junior transfer and has made an impact at a variety of positions, including pitcher, infielder and outfielder. He was also responsible for a key hit in the Lancers' win over Harvard Westlake in this year's NHSI Invitational.
 
"I think when we look at the journey of life, how this guy's had to do some things so far in his learning process really exemplifies what life is," said Farrell. "Nothing is just a straight path. We've had a couple ups and downs, but through it, it's never been a fight back and forth. It's always been, how can I become a better person? How can I become a better Christian? How can I get to where I want to go? We'll see what happens as he moves forward, but I'm just so proud of this man and what he's done."
 
Hudson is grateful for his family, coaches and the support system at OLu for challenging him as he takes the next steps in his playing career.
 
"First off, I would like to thank my mom for always being by my side and pushing me to do my best at everything I do," said Hudson. "Secondly, I want to thank my family and friends for always being there for me. Last off, I want to thank Coach RJ and Coach Borba for preparing me for the next level and for helping me to be a player in Christ."
 
 
Gabe Fraser
 
Lancer senior Gabe Fraser has committed to play for the University of Arkansas. As a junior transfer to OLu, Fraser has battled several seasons of injuries, but he persevered and has worked his way back into the starting lineup this year.
 
"He's probably one of the most athletically gifted players I've been around," said Farrell. "But what I think I'm leaning more on with him is just the maturity we've seen over the last year and a half, two years since we've met him. I think he's really grown in a lot of areas."
 
Fraser also has his eye on the upcoming MLB draft and is grateful for how OLu has prepared him for wherever his next steps take him.
 
"Thank you to my family who has been with me through the highs and lows of this game and supplied me with all the resources to be successful and to my coaches for believing in me to pursue my dream," said Fraser. "I also want to thank everyone who has dedicated their time towards my dream of playing at the Division 1 level and MLB."
 
 
Alex Chavez
 
Lancer pitcher Alex Chavez is headed to Loyola Marymount University. The two-year varsity player worked his way up through the program and has earned his spot on the mound.
 
"There's often times we have players come in, and we can see it almost before they can see it," said Farrell. "We just knew it was going to take us a little bit more time for him to be able to show the world what his potential is. We think his future is probably even further than what he even believes in himself right now. We just pray he goes and gives it his all."
 
Chavez is grateful to those in his support system who helped him elevate his play and achieve this next step.
 
"I would like to first thank my family for giving me the opportunity and ability to play baseball," said Chavez. "I would also like to thank those who have supported me on my journey and those who have helped me get me to where I am today."
 
 
Nate Savoie
 
Two-year varsity player Nate Savoie will be joining Chavez at Loyola Marymount University. A natural leader who has also battled his share of setbacks, Savoie has the right mindset to take his game to the next level.
 
"If you want to talk to a leader, if you want to talk to a teammate, if you want to talk to a young man that just has drive, if you want to talk to a young man who is really comfortable in his faith, I would have you go have a conversation with this young man, because he does all that," said Farrell. "I truly believe he has a chance to be really successful on the field, and he's showing it right now."
 
With a 4.2 GPA, Savoie is also getting it done in the classroom. He is grateful for how his family and his faith have helped him reach his goals.
 
"I want to firstly acknowledge my Lord and King Jesus Christ who has been so faithful through hardship and trials and has given me the opportunities to grow and reach where I currently am," said Savoie. "I want to thank my parents as they have been with me through it all and have worked to give me the best opportunities to succeed. I want to thank all those who have prayed for me and been there for me in the good and bad. Glory to God in the Highest."
 
 
Nolan Tillitt
 
Pitcher Nolan Tillitt is the third Lancer to be heading to Loyola Marymount University. The talented right-hander has also faced challenges, but he has remained focused and has great opportunity in front of him.
 
"Through adversity and his faith in God's plan, it's just pushed him to become a better player, a better person, but ultimately a better Christian," said Farrell. "We couldn't be more proud of the progress he's made. We can't wait to see exactly where he goes as his body keeps maturing and his mind keeps maturing and he keeps trusting God's plan."
 
A two-year varsity player, Tillitt is grateful to those who have supported him on his athletic journey.
 
"A huge thanks to my family for their support," said Tillitt. "All glory to Jesus Christ!"
 
 
Finnegan Stewart
 
Two-year varsity player Finnegan Stewart has committed to Utah Tech University. A role player for the Lancers, Stewart is always ready to step in whatever way the team needs him.
 
"No matter his role for the day…he always embraces it," said Farrell. "Whether he's starting, whether he's special teams, off the bench, whatever it might be, he's coming in, he's getting his work…I think he made a perfect choice in school, an opportunity to play right away. Consistency is going to be huge for him as he gets moving through his college career, and we just wish this young man nothing but the best."
 
Excited for his next chapter, Stewart thanked those who have been instrumental in helping him achieve this next step in his athletic and academic pursuits.
"Firstly, I would like to thank Jesus for blessing me with the ability to play the game of baseball and giving me the opportunity to continue my athletic career at the next level," said Stewart. "I also want to thank my family for their endless love and support throughout this journey. And lastly, to my coaches who have been there for me every step of the way."

 
Ross Clark
 
OLu pitcher Ross Clark has signed to continue his playing career at Grand Canyon University. The three-year varsity right-hander has played a significant role in the Lancers' pitching rotation.
 
"He's been in some huge moments for us, whether it be in relief or as a starting pitcher," said Farrell. "It's the smile on the face every day. Every day he comes in, and I look forward to speaking with him every day. He's just a great young man."
 
Clark is grateful to God, his family and his support system for encouraging him to pursue this next step in his playing career.
 
"I thank God for gifting me the ability to play the game in which I love and for surrounding me with the best coaches, group of guys and family members to help me along the way," said Clark.
 
 
Men's Rowing
 
Andrew Buda
 
Lancer senior Andrew Buda has committed to Harvard University to continue his rowing career. The four-year varsity rower for Newport Aquatic Center served as a two-year team captain and is a two-time Varsity Oarsman of the Year honoree.
 
"Andrew exemplifies the rare blend of talent, determination, and character that distinguishes a true leader both in and out of the water," said OLu Latin teacher Hayley Sampson. "Underneath his calm demeanor lies a very fierce competitor who has tirelessly honed his gifts and abilities through countless early morning practices, weightlifting and just so much extra time that he has put into his craft as a rower.
 
"Andrew's journey to Harvard is truly a testament to his hard work and dedication," continued Sampson. "It is also a significant milestone that speaks volume about his potential as a leader…Harvard is not just gaining a remarkable athlete, they're gaining a young man of exceptional character and integrity."
 
Buda led his team to victory at the 2023 state championships and earned Top 5 at the 2022 Rowing National Championship. He also recently qualified for the 2024 Nationals Championships.
 
"I would first and foremost like to give all glory to God, my Father in Heaven, for giving me favor and gifts to glorify Him," said Buda. "Nothing I do is of my own power, and it is only because of Jesus's blood that I am able to compete. Thank you to my parents for supporting me and giving me a platform to succeed while pushing me to do my best in everything. Thank you to my sister Annie for being a guide to me through my journey of rowing and showing me the right path. Lastly, thank you to my coaches for pushing me every single day and refining me as a rower to make the boats go as fast as possible."