Official Site of the Corona Angels: News: CLOVIS INDEPENDENT COVERS ARBINO COMMITMENT TO TEXAS A & M

This story first appeared
Published 11/16/07 00:00:00

Seven Clovis Unified athletes sign college letters
Locals to join college teams from Fresno State to Texas A&M to Syracuse

By Pete Boele / Independent Sports Editor

Seven Clovis Unified student-athletes took the next step toward the future inking national letters of intent Nov. 14 at ceremonial signings throughout the district.

Three of the seniors -- Buchanan's Brennan Gowens (baseball), Brianna Clarke (volleyball) and Baylee Platt (volleyball) decided to stay close to home and compete for Fresno State.

"Growing up in the Valley, it's every kid's dream to grow up and be a Bulldog," Gowens said. "I've got an opportunity and I'm going to make the best of it."

The outfielder batted .380 for the Bears last season.

As for Clarke and Platt, who made their decisions on the same day, the prospect of four more years together was a bonus for the longtime friends and teammates.

"I committed with my coach and then called Bri right after and I was like, 'OK, I did it. It's your turn,' " Platt said. "I can't wait for these next four years."

Before college begins, Clarke, a middle blocker, and Platt, an outside hitter, had work to do as the Bears faced Bakersfield for the Central Section Division I championship Nov. 15. Results were unavailable at press time.

Also signing were Clovis High's Rebecca Arbino (softball) and Stephanie Watts (softball), Clovis East's Matt Jensen (baseball) and Buchanan's Hilary Whelan (water polo).

Arbino, the Cougars' pitching ace, heads to Texas A&M, while Watts, a slick-fielding shortstop, signed with Syracuse. As juniors, the two helped Clovis to its seventh Valley championship. Arbino was 26-5 with a 0.84 ERA. Watts batted .324 with two home runs.

"It's like real now," said Arbino after signing with the Aggies.

Jensen, a pitcher and shortstop, signed with Cal Poly. He is the school's first player to land a baseball scholarship, according to coach Jeff Prieto.

"I like the location and the coaches are top of the line, good guys," Jensen said. "They're the ones who really got me."

Jensen led Clovis East in home runs (3), RBI (18) and on-base percentage (.521) last season. On the mound, he went 4-5 with 2.97 ERA.

Whelan is bound for San Diego State. The senior currently leads the Bears in assists (36) and is second in goals (64).

"I love San Diego," said Whelan, who added the school's civil engineer program was key to her decision.

Although Clovis West had no signings Nov. 14, the school announced Jeff Daniels will sign to swim at USC Nov. 16.

E-mail Pete Boele at pboele@clovisindependent.com.

Staff writer David Witte also contributed to this report.

E-mail Pete Boele at pboele @clovisindependent.com. Staff writer David Witte also contributed to this report.