Three SHS Athletes sign Letters of Intent

Three Seneca High School (SHS) student-athletes signed letters of intent today to continue their education and athletic careers. Aila Raines signed with Limestone College for cheerleading, Ben Seitz signed with Olivet Nazarene University for baseball, and Elijah Stewart signed with Southern Wesleyan University for track. Aila Raines has been a Seneca Varsity Cheerleader for four years cheering on the football and basketball spirit squads and the competition team. She has competed in the AAA State Championship four times. Her leadership and perseverance also helped this year’s team earn the school’s first ever Region Championship title in competitive cheerleading. Aila was recognized for her work ethic and commitment during her junior year earning her the team Warrior Award. She has also been named to the All-Region team both her junior and senior years. Coach Nickie Powell said “Aila is an extremely hard worker who has persevered through injury to help her team succeed and earn a championship title. Aila never quits and is the epitome of a team player. Her leadership and work ethic exemplify what every coach wants in an athlete, and she has been a role model for her teammates. It has been a pleasure to coach and work with her over the past four years, and I am excited to see her continued success in the future.” Ben Seitz is entering his third season on the SHS Baseball team which finished as the AAA Upper State Champions a year ago. Ben is a utility player with the ability to play infield or outfield. He was a very valuable base runner for the Cats last season. Coach Andy Bay said, “I am very proud of Ben Seitz for reaching his goal of playing baseball at the college level. Ben is an example of a team player. He has always been willing to play any position or do anything he was asked to do to help his team win. I am excited to see his hard work payoff during his senior year at SHS, and wish him the best in the future.” Elijah Stewart is entering his sixth season of track at SHS. He has also participated in Cross Country for six seasons. He was All-Region in Track his junior year in two events (800 meters and 4×400 relay). He has posted the 7th best 800 meter time in school history. He earned All-State honors in Cross Country his junior and senior seasons and was selected to participate in the Shrine Bowl Run this past fall. Coach Chris White said, “Eli is an amazing young man whose work ethic and desire has pushed him to be his best both on the track and off. He has an ability to maintain his focus through good times and through adverse situations and not let anything get in the way of his goals. For the past two years in the fall he has juggled being an integral part of the school marching band with running 40-50 miles per week in order to be selected to the All-State Cross Country team, which is not an easy feat.”