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For good reason, Wednesday afternoon was a busy place inside the George Rogers Clark High School library. 

Multiple senior athletes—Kamden McAlpin, Ben Fulks, and Reese Patrick—signed on to play at the NCAA level upon completing their high school careers. 

“[It’s] definitely a great day to be a Cardinal as we celebrate three of our student-athletes,” said George Rogers Clark High School Athletic Director Terry Yeast. 

Two of the athletes – McAlpin and Fulks – are the Cards’ baseball team members. 

Both played key roles in the Cards’ winning the 40th District Championship this past season, with McAlpin batting leadoff and playing center field while Fulks—playing right field—made several spectacular defensive plays at key times. 

McAlpin, who signed with Eastern Kentucky University, was recognized first with multiple family members by his side. 

While teammates and GRC Head Baseball Coach Eddie Brooks spoke highly of McAlpin, his mother, Whitney McAlpin, also spoke highly of him. 

“Kamden has always been obsessed with baseball…he loves to play. He’s always been around it [and] always wanted it,” she said. 

Kamden offered his words as well. 

“I’m just super excited for what the future holds at EKU,” he said, noting that hopes and expectations for his senior year are high as well. “It just felt like eastern Kentucky really wanted me, and I just gravitated toward that.” 

Fulks was recognized immediately after McAlpin. 

He will attend Enterprise State Community College in Alabama, a short distance from Panama Beach. 

Several individuals – including teammates and prior coaches – spoke highly of his character. 

His father, Eric Fulks, spoke to the crowd. 

“So many of you have had a profound effect on him making it to this moment. You are truly appreciated,” he said. “We will forever be supporters of this program.” 

Fulks, after taking time to thank others, mentioned his thoughts. 

“GRC should be a place where athletes come to thrive,” he said. “The coaching staff [at Enterprise Community College] are amazing. They’re very supportive [and] they’ve been there throughout the whole process for me.” 

Last but certainly not least, Reese Patrick—a key girls’ soccer player for the Lady Cards—was recognized for her commitment to Eastern Kentucky University. 

Patrick, a forward and leading goal-scorer, has been a critical player for several years. 

Perhaps most notably, she scored two goals in a 5-3 10th Region Championship winning contest against Bishop Brossart during her junior year to send the Lady Cards to the Sweet 16. 

Anthony Patrick, Reese’s father, talked. 

“I know how much time she’s put into her sport…[becoming] bigger, faster, [and] stronger so she can be a better athlete on the field,” he said. “The person that she is outside the sport is more impressive.” 

Fellow teammates, including Madelyn Settles, Coach William Contreras, and others, spoke as well. 

Patrick, who is also a Governor’s Scholar, answered questions afterward. 

“I’m just really grateful [for] all the people that have helped get me here today,” she said. “[I’ll remember] having a community [and] having all of my best friends be my teammates.” 

With several additional athletes throughout the school also committed to other schools, Wednesday will not be the only time such recognitions will occur this year.