Athletes to sign, others to wait

Charles Whisnand

At least three Carson Country football players will make it official today while several others are still weighing their options as the winter signing period begins.

Carson High's John Stewart and Douglas High's Jake Peterson and Gabe Hatchett will sign today on the first day of the signing period. Stewart, a standout linebacker, will sign with Division I-AA Weber State. Peterson, an all-Northern 4A linebacker, will sign the equivalent of a letter-of-intent with the Ivy League's Penn, a Division I-AA school. Gabe Hatchett, a 2001 Douglas High graduate who was a standout receiver at Sacramento City College this past season, will sign with Nebraska.

Among the other standout athletes who are weighing their options is Carson High's Nick Shine, who could sign in football or wrestling. In football, Shine was an all-Northern 4A linebacker. In wrestling, Shine is favored to win the NIAA 4A state title at 215 pounds.

Shine said he has received a scholarship offer in football from Montana's Carroll College, the two-time defending NAIA national champions. Shine said he plans to visit the school after the wrestling season is over.

"They really like me, my style the way I play," Shine said. "They want me to come up there and check things out for myself."

But first, Shine said he plans to wrestle in the National High School Championships this spring and hopes a strong showing there will receive interest from major programs. Shine placed fifth this year at Reno's Tournament of Champions, earning him All-American status.

He has already qualified for the National Championships since he took second in last year's state meet at 189. Wrestlers who have a first or second place finish during their high school careers can participate in the national championships.

Shine said he'll likely wait until after the national championships to make a decision "unless a scholarship comes that is too good to turn down."

Among other schools interested in Shine is NAIA Southern Oregon. Another local player that Carroll is showing serious interest is Douglas High's Luke Rippee, one of the Northern 4A's top players, who was a versatile performer as a quarterback, defensive back and kick returner.

Another local athlete who is receiving Division I interest in soccer is Carson High's Erin Stieber. The defensive standout helped lead Lassen College to the state finals in women's soccer this past season.

Among the schools talking to Stieber are Florida State, Sacramento State, Tampa, St. Mary's and Coastal Carolina. Stieber's father, John, said she hopes to visit Sacramento State next week. Stieber is currently a member of Lassen women's basketball team.

Another local standout in soccer for Lassen, Amber Gwinn, who was one of the state's leading scorers this past season, is also receiving Division I interest.