Thirteen William Byrd High School student athletes in six different sports signed letters of intent
to continue their educations and athletic careers at the collegiate level during a commitment
ceremony at WBHS on April 23.
They are football players Brayden Andrews (Roanoke College), Lane Shoemaker (Roanoke
College), Bricen Lancaster (Catawba College), and Cooper Minnix (Shenandoah University);
track athletes Wyatte Bailey (William & Mary), Reagan Lilley (Emory & Henry), and Donald
Mullins (Emory & Henry); swimmer Michael Hoyos (Roanoke College); lacrosse player Julian
Pantoja (Virginia Wesleyan College); softball player Abbie Fitzgerald (Eastern Mennonite); and
cheerleaders Emma Kageals (Virginia Tech), Sheradyn O’Neill (Roanoke College), and Gracie
Mick (Roanoke College).
Principal Tammy Newcomb congratulated the athletes and their families, noting that only about
1% of high school athletes advance to play at the next level.
Football coach Brad Lutz introduced members of the football team. He expressed his pride in the
group for their hard work and “representing us well” and thanked their families for their support.
He reminded students to be thankful for those who have had pivotal roles in their success.
Brayden Andrews had 164 carries for 827 yards and 12 touchdowns in rushing yards and 12
catches for 123 yards, and 1 TD in receiving. He made 2 nd Team All-Blue Ridge District and 2 nd
Team All-Region 3D as a running back and had “one of the most impactful touchdown runs in
school history at the regional championship game.” His parents are Laurel and Ryan Andrews.
Lane Shoemaker was a leader “on the best defense in school history,” with 23 carries for 130
rushing yards and 4 TDs, 23 tackles, 5 TFLs (tackles for loss), 2.5 sacks, and one fumble
recovery in defense. He was named to 2nd Team All-Blue Ridge District as a linebacker. His
parents are Christina and Tim Shoemaker.
Bricen Lancaster made five out of six field goals (the longest was 33 yards), 70 kick-offs with 30
touchbacks and 36 in which the opponent was pinned inside the 20, and a punting average of
35.7 yards. He was named to 1st Team All-Blue Ridge District as a kicker and punter and 2nd
Team All-Region 3D as a kicker. His record makes him the second in school history for field
goals in a season (five). His parents are Lori and Chad Lancaster.
Cooper Minnix had 27 catches, 365 yards, and 3 TDs. He made 2 nd Team All-Blue Ridge District
as a wide receiver. He is the ninth all time in school history for yards in a career. “His
touchdown against the red team was the biggest catch in his career.” His parents are Heather and
Allen Minnix.
Coach Junius Pannell introduced students signing letters of intent to continue in track at the
college level.
“Wyatte Bailey is gearing up to head to William & Mary to continue his academic and student
athlete career to study chemistry/biology. Wyatte is currently the school record holder in the pole
vault for indoor and outdoor. He is the fourth fastest guy in 400m– all time. He is an Adidas
indoor track All-American in the sprint medley relay. He has traveled to Vegas to compete; he
has won a state championship during indoor, and Wyatte still finds the time to help teammates
achieve their goals of clearing the bar for the first time when they are newcomers to the event. I
have always appreciated Wyatte’s ability to remain humble and his ability to take coaching.” His
parents are Angela and Jeremy Bailey.
“Reagan Lilley is preparing to go to Emory & Henry to compete in cross country and track &
field while studying business administration. He has shown nothing but hard work since his
freshman year. He fell in love with running and improving himself. For instance, Reagan was a
23-minute 5K runner and now he is a 17 minute, 49 seconds 5K runner freshman to senior year.
Freshman year he was a 2:41 800m runner and at our home invitational in the freezing cold he
ran a 2:13 personal record in the 800m. Reagan is an all-region, all-district, state qualifier, who
works hard at his craft.” His parents are Jamie Powell and Larry Lilley.
“Donald Mullins is also going to Emory & Henry to run cross country and track & field,
studying exercise science. Donald was never interested in running when he first got to WBHS; it
was all basketball, basketball, and more basketball. I remember asking Donald about running
track, and he laughed at me. He finally decided to come out and told me he was sprinter. After a
meet at Staunton River, he came to me and said that sprint life was not for him, and he wanted to
run the 800m and he just missed state qualifying and that is when he fell in love with the sport
and doing what it takes to get better. Donald is an Adidas All-American, state qualifier, all-
region and all-district athlete.” His parents are Mercedes and Donald Mullins.
Swim Coach Krista Martin introduced Michael Hoyos.
“Michael was our team captain this year with a great season. He was our Blue Ridge District
champion in the 200 freestyle, and he finished fourth at Regionals in the 200 freestyle where he
advanced to state. Michael was also an integral part of our state relays. I have been lucky enough
to coach Michael for the last five years. He is a very proficient swimmer and he’s always been
willing to do our longest distance events anytime we needed him to (which was quite often).
Michael always had a plan for a race whether it was an individual race or a strategy for a relay. I
appreciate everything Michael put into this team. He plans to go into pre-law and swim at
Roanoke College next year. You have a promising career and life ahead of you, Michael.” His
mother is Candice Hoyos.
Boys lacrosse coach Will Satterfield introduced Julian Pantoja and expressed his heartfelt
gratitude for Pantoja’s impact on the team. “Julian has worked harder than any player I have ever
coached.” He noted that lacrosse is a “tough sport where the student attempts to get in the way of
a solid rubber ball with a steel core.” Julian’s parents are Kelly and John Hickey.
Softball coach Greg Barton introduced Abbie Fitzgerald, saying that “she had a dream and
fulfilled that dream through setbacks, adversity, and injuries. She is big in church and her faith
has kept her on track.” Her parents are Mary Barnett and Donald Fitzgerald.
Cheer coach Dee-Anne Dillon introduced three cheerleaders who will continue their sport in
college.
“Emma Kageals started on the varsity sideline beginning her freshman year– one of only two
freshmen to make the varsity squad that year. She has also been on the competition team all four
years. She served as captain of both teams her senior year. She is one of the most well-rounded
student athletes we have. She not only excels in athletics, but in academics as well. She will be
graduating with honors as a valedictorian. Emma strives for excellence in everything she does.
She puts in the work in the classroom and in her extra-curricular activities. She is a multi-sport
athlete with many honors. She holds the school record in the 55m hurdles and long jump. She
was named All-Region in track for three years, and has received All-District, All-Region, All-
State, and All-American honors in competition cheer. Virginia Tech is lucky to have her as a
student athlete and we are excited to see her continue to wear maroon and orange.” Her parents
are Todd and Amy Kageals.
“Sheradyn O’Neill has been a member of the varsity and competition teams since her freshman
year. She exemplifies what a sideline cheerleader should be– full of school spirit, loud, energetic,
and happy. She is well-respected by her teammates and peers and served as captain junior and
senior year. She is a very hard worker and pushes herself to be the best she can be. When she
suffered a knee injury her senior year and couldn’t compete, she still came to every practice and
competition to support her teammates. She has been named an All-American and All-Region
athlete.” Her parents are Shani and John O’Neill.
“Gracie Mick has been a sideline cheerleader for three years on both JV and varsity squads. She
was a member of the competition team for two years, but suffered a knee injury and was unable
to compete senior year. She started out as a competitive gymnast and used those skills to benefit
our cheer program. She was one of our most elite jumpers and tumblers. She has worked hard in
rehab so she can continue her athletic career. She is also a member of our track and field teams
and will be representing WBHS in the pole vault at the state track and field meet. She is strong
academically and will be graduating with honors.” Her parents are Elizabeth and Charles Mick.
Dillon thanked all three for their “leadership and dedication. Remember, ‘Once a Terrier, always
a Terrier!’”
