16-05-2025
6 Richland seniors sign to continue athletic careers
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) – As we approach the end of the scholastic year, six Richland High School seniors signed on Friday to continue their athletic careers at the next level. The group was headlined by Jude Mugerwa, who will run track at the Division I level for the University of Vermont.
'I was so excited when I found out they would like me to be on their team,' Mugerwa said.
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He didn't always envision himself sticking with track though.
'When I was a kid, I wanted to be a Division I football player,' Mugerwa said. 'But I kind of fell out of love for football.'
Mugerwa's focus shifted to track heading into his senior year, putting in his full effort to try and keep his Division I dream alive.
'I'm still making my younger self happy with that,' Mugerwa said. 'I'm really happy I could achieve that dream.'
He was part of a Richland track and field program that won back-to-back District VI Championships for both the boys and girls on Thursday. Austin Yarnick and Henry Levander, who both signed to run track for Pitt-Johnstown, also played pivotal roles in helping the Rams repeat as champs.
'It's been unprecedented,' Yarnick said. 'It's just like the culture we've built. We want to win, we put the work in and we all win.'
'That meant a lot to us as a team,' Levander said. 'Being a leader, (repeating) meant so much to me.'
Levander's brother Charlie just graduated from Pitt-Johnstown and was also a member of the Mountain Cats track and field team.
Taylor Mitchell will also head to Pitt-Johnstown to continue her cheerleading career, while Taylor Stape will cheer during Saint Francis' final season as a Division I program.
'I'm really excited about being in Division I this year even though they are switching to Division III (after next year),' Stape said. 'They just have a beautiful campus there, the people are so nice and I just can't wait to get started.'
'I know the (UPJ) coaches really well, I grew up with them,' Mitchell said. 'I'm excited to continue on my cheer journey.'
Nathaniel Mayket signed with Waynesburg University's tennis and esports teams, which won two national championships this past week.
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