More than 75 of Houston ISD’s top scholar athletes will formally commit to continue their studies and sports careers at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. Wednesday at a ceremony to be held in conjunction with National Signing Day.

The event, which will include both female and male athletes and their coaches and parents, will take place at 1 p.m. at the Region IV Educational Service Center, 7145 W. Tidwell Road in northwest Houston. Athletes will sign symbolic certificates of intent. Joe Tusa, HISD’s retired director of athletics and a legend in the district, will be the featured speaker. Two years ago, the Delmar Athletic Complex was re-named in his honor.

Among the highlights:
• John Fallon of Lamar HS will play baseball at Harvard
• Twelve HISD senior girls will continue their softball careers in college – five from Bellaire HS, three each from Lamar and Chavez, and one from Westside
• Nine Lamar HS seniors from Lamar are signing to play football, eight from Bellaire, six from Westside
• Nine seniors are continuing their careers on the diamond – six from Bellaire, three from Lamar

Although traditionally National Signing Day is when senior high school football players all over the country complete their letters of intent with colleges and universities, for the past five years, HISD has included both female and male athletes from all sports, to showcase the district’s athletic and academic talent. Athletes are signing in basketball, football, baseball, softball, soccer, and track, lacrosse, wrestling, golf, and swimming.