CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Walker Janek wasn't nervous until he stepped into the Gregory-Portland High School gym Wednesday morning.
For scholar-athletes -- next to graduation -- National Signing Day may be the most special day of their high-school careers.
But for the senior catcher signing his national letter of intent made his dream of playing college ball at Sam Houston State University much more real.
"It's really special to finally sign the paper," he said. "And I wasn't really thinking about it this morning, until I got here. (Then) I was freaking out, I was nervous"
Janek was joined by teammate and pitcher Malachi Lott, who is going to Houston.
"It's a blessing, and when it happens, it's a great thing and makes me feel really good," Lott said.
And volleyball player Kandice Rowe signed with West Texas A&M.
"It's kind of like a relief knowing that I am going somewhere that is going to be a home for me," she said.
At Calallen, four-year starting shortstop Luke Smith signed to play at the University of New Mexico.
"It's been a long journey, since I was a little kid," he said. "But all the sacrifices my family made for me and what I have accomplished, I am just very blessed."
Star Lady Cats catcher Lauren Mata is staying close to home, taking her talents to A&M-Kingsville.
She said playing for the Javelinas was an easy sell.
"They are really good at softball, and a couple of former teammates play there," she said. "They really love it there, and I'm really excited about going there."
Over at Veterans Memorial High School, Houston picked up another great local product in Jake Miller. His teammate, Jose Acuna, is headed to Texas Tech University.
