On December 3, Orange Lutheran celebrated three Lancer football players as they made commitments to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

OLu Athletic Director Karen Kekipi welcomed family, friends and supporters to the Ellwein Center and opened the ceremony in prayer before introducing Lancer football head coach Rod Sherman.

Sherman shared some words from the Parable of the Talents found in the Gospel of Matthew, thanking the senior athletes for their commitment to using their God-given abilities.

"God gave you gifts…but you didn't just sit with those gifts," said Sherman. "You worked. You developed them. That's what college is going to be, developing your gifts. And from all of us, I want to thank you for how you led us and for how your giftedness, you didn't just hold on to it, but you grew it and you did it to praise the Lord."

Markus Kier

Lancer wide receiver Markus Kier will be continuing his football career at UCLA. Kier is a four-year varsity player and All-League honoree. 

"He's consistent, he continues to show up and he's accountable," said Sherman. "You can always know that he's going to be in the right place at the right time. He cares about his teammates. He's an unbelievable student-athlete…And he's a young man that continued to multiply his talents. Through an outstanding senior season, through all of his work, he had the opportunity to come to a hometown school and play for his hometown UCLA Bruins. He brought so much to this program, even in a short time."

Kier thanked his parents, friends, teammates and coaches for keeping him grounded and helping him achieve this next step.

"First and foremost, I want to thank God for allowing me to have this opportunity," said Kier. "I'm truly blessed to be here and to have the support system that got me here. My parents and siblings have played such large roles in my life, and I couldn't thank them enough. I'm grateful for all my coaches and teammates over the years, and I wish them all the best. Can't wait for this next chapter. 4s up!!!"

Sean Morris II

Senior running back Sean Morris II has signed to play football at Northwestern University. The four-year varsity player is an All-CIF and 1st Team All-League selection.

"Sean is the classic example of a young man that doesn't lead through his words, but he leads through his actions," said Sherman. "I don't know if I've ever coached a player who I believe is more ready through his discipline, through his daily work, through his routines to succeed at the highest level, not just through his incredible ability as a running back to catch the ball, his toughness, but just who he is as a person."

Morris reflected on how he felt he wasn't always the most talented player on the field, but that his work ethic helped to get him where he is today.

"First and foremost, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play this game; without him I am nothing," said Morris. "I then want to thank my parents, my mom and dad, for all the sacrifices and hard work they have done up to this point to put me in the position I am today. I also would like to thank my coaches for everything they have instilled into me to not only become a better football player but also a better person. Lastly, I'm thankful for this opportunity, and I'm ready for the next step. 

Go Cats!"

Kayden Samuelu Teteleopesega Utu-Lilii

Four-year varsity Lancer Kayden Samuelu Teteleopesega Utu-Lilii is headed to Southern Methodist University to continue his football career. The All-Trinity League offensive lineman is also an All-League volleyball for the Lancers and is part of the school's Creative Worship team.

"I think Sam epitomizes what we want to be about here at Orange Lutheran," said Sherman. "Sam's growth over these four years, in so many ways, has been amazing. The growth that I've seen through him as a team leader, relationships with his teammates, and to see his growth and his relationship with his parents…it's been such a privilege to watch Sam develop."

Utu-Lilii thanked everyone in his support system for believing in him and supporting him on this journey.

"To God for this gift of life and the opportunity to praise Your name through the game," said Utu-Lilii. "To my family, my mom and dad, my MVPs. To my teammates and trainers, my teachers and counselors, thank you. You're the reason why I do what I do and why it's important for me to keep going. You didn't stop when life got hard but fought to give my siblings and me a better opportunity, and for that, this is dedicated to you. Through every (loss) came a lesson, and I know our folks in heaven have the best seat in the house for all of it. I love you guys. Thank you."