Decision time arrives for more than 100 HISD Prep-School Athletes who have braved the courtship of college recruiters seeking their talents in sports including football, basketball, baseball, track and field, swimming, and wrestling. The students will seal their commitments to colleges and universities of their choice on National Signing Day, Wednesday, February 1, 2012.

HISD will hold its National Signing Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. at the Delmar Field House located at 2020 Mangum. (Watch video of Bellaire standout Bianca Winslow.)

National Signing Day is the first day students can sign a letter of intent to play sports for colleges and universities of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The day is widely anticipated by the athletes and fans of college sports.

“We are very excited for our students who have the opportunity to further their education in this way,” said HISD Superintendent Terry Grier. “We want our scholar-athletes to be prepared for the academic rigor and to make the responsible decisions that come along with this opportunity.”

A wide range of universities, colleges and junior colleges are calling on HISD students this year.

“Our support for seniors who have the talent and who may have been overlooked goes beyond today’s signing,” said HISD Athletic Director Marmion Dambrino.

Bellaire High School senior Bianca Winslow expects to follow in her father’s footsteps. The Bellaire basketball standout fondly remembers her trips as a young girl to work out with dad, Ricky Winslow, at his alma mater, the University of Houston. “Having visited the school many times with my dad, I have always wanted to attend the UH,” Winslow said. She says Pepperdine is among the schools she considered. Like his daughter, Ricky Winslow was an HISD standout who played at Yates High School before playing collegiately and professionally.

For Westside senior wide-receiver Deante Gray, a recent trip to Texas Christian University solidified his commitment. “I plan to sign with TCU,” Gray said. He says the moment he stepped on the North Texas campus, he was hooked. Dad, Andre Gray, said, “I’m proud of the hard work he’s put in. And to have college paid for – wow!”