WVHS students commit to D-1 colleges

Four Warwick Valley High School student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent indicating their commitment to play sports at NCAA colleges and universities.

This is the second signing event for the district this year, after six Wildcats signed back in November. Superintendent of Schools, David Leach, opened the event by sharing how excited he was for senior Wildcats Jesse Abramson, Shelby Spencer, Julia Singh, and Drew Borner.

“We’re proud of you. Not only because of the records you’ve set or the teammates you’ve been, but the young men and women that you have become. That includes being scholars here in our district, and making sure that you have the skills and the disposition to excel on and off the field,” Leach said.

Jesse Abramson

Abramson signed his letter to attend Fordham University in the Atlantic 10 Conference. One of Fordham’s top recruits this year, he also receiving interest from Fairfield , St. Bonaventure, and Old Dominion Universities.

He placed eighth in the 200-yard freestyle and 12th in the 500 Freestyle during the 2022 New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Championships. He has qualified for the state championship every year since 2020-2021, and holds WVHS records in the 200- and 500-yard freestyles, the 100-yard backstroke, and the 200-yard medley relay.

Joining the swim team as an eighth-grader he’d become the most-improved team member by ninth grade and was breaking school records, winning Section championships, and qualifying for States as a sophomore.

“Jesse is the most accomplished swimmer in Warwick history,” swim coach Frank Woodward said. “And right now he’s arguably the top swimmer in Section IX. He’s one of the top swimmers of the state! This is my thirty-eighth year of coaching, and I’ve never seen a high school athlete this committed to their sport.”

Abramson’s parents are Eric and Raina Abramson, and he has a brother, Kyle. He plans to major in business with a concentration in finance.

Athletic Achievements

· WVHS swim captain

· Qualified for States in five events

· Ranked 5th in NYS, 200-yard Freestyle

· Ranked 15th in NYS, 500-yard Freestyle

Academic Accomplishments

· GPA: 95

· Four-time NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete

· Member of the National Honor Society

Shelby Spencer

Spencer signed her letter to attend Campbell University, a Big South Conference, Division I school in North Carolina. A multi-talented runner who ranges from the 800m to the 5K, her personal bests are a 5:14 for the 1500m and 11:25 for the 3000m. She chose Campbell after also being heavily recruited by St. Thomas University.

“Shelby has continued to improve this season, really buying into the workouts, and she’s close to qualifying for States,” said Coach Ryan Candia. “She’s got a lot more great indoor and outdoor races to go, and I know she’ll step up at the next level. The Big South Conference is getting a great one.”

Spencer’s parents are Miranda and Carl Spencer, and she has three siblings, Mikayla, Chloe, and Payton. She has earned both a National Merit and athletic scholarship, and plans to major in Political Science and Legal Studies.

Athletic Achievements

· 11th Place, Section 9 Class A Meet

· 2nd Place, 2022 Brian Ahearn Classic 2000m Steeplechase

Academic Accomplishments

· GPA: 91

· National Honor Society candidate

· Honors courses

Julia Singh

Singh signed her letter to attend and run track for the University at Buffalo, a Division I team in the Mid-American Conference. She is also a capable field athlete, with a triple jump of more than 33 ft. She is a longtime volunteer coach for Warwick Youth Track Club and Warwick Recreation.

“Julia is an incredible track and field athlete and it’s been an honor to see her evolution as a runner, from when she was in the rec program as a kid, to seeing her compete now at such a high level,” said Coach Kirk Thomas. “Her focus and work ethic are hard to match, and she always encourages her teammates and pushes them to do better.”

Singh’s parents are Polly Mautner and Guy Singh, and she has a brother, Justin. She is receiving the Academic Pride of New York scholarship, and chose Buffalo for its Materials Science Engineering program.

Athletic Achievements

· 12th place, 2022 Indoor State Championship (600m)

· Competing at Nike Indoor Nationals, March 2023 (800m, 4x400m relay, sprint medley relay)

Academic Accomplishments

· GPA: 104.7

· NYSPHAA Scholar Athlete

· Army All-American Scholar Athlete

· Mu Alpha Theta Honors Society

· Student Senate

Drew Borner

Borner signed his letter to attend and play football for the Wagner College in Staten Island, a Division I school in the Northeast Conference. He was recruited to play kicker, place kicker, and punter.

“He had 10 touchbacks in the 2022 season, and has scored 70 career points, which is a lot for a kicker!” Coach Gregory Sirico, who is also the Director of Athletics, said.

“I want to thank all of my coaches here at Warwick. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I’m standing today, Borner said. “Thank you to my teammates, all my friends. Without your support, I wouldn’t be the person or athlete I am today. And finally, my parents, for the countless hours you guys have spent driving me [around] the East coast.”

Having earned both an athletic scholarship and a Founders Scholarship, Borner chose Wagner after also being scouted by St. John Fisher, Brockport, and Stony Brook. He will major in business marketing.

His parents are Craig and Jessica Borner, and he has a twin sister, Alexa.

Athletic Achievements

· 2023 Exceptional Senior Game selection

· WV Football Special Teams MVP

Academic Accomplishments

· GPA: 98.9

· National Honor Society

· NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete