Family, friends, coaches and staff of Powell High School came together last week to celebrate a pair of Powell High School seniors who will be moving on to play college sports.

The Wednesday presentation in the Powell High School library was held in conjunction with a National Signing Day.

Thus far, TJ Abraham and Mason Olsen have signed on to play football at the collegiate level, with Abraham signing on at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and Olsen signing on to play at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana.

PHS head football coach Chanler Buck said that the achievement needed to be recognized.

“I think to speak for any sports program, our ultimate goal is to develop young kids, young women and men, and there’s no better accomplishment than their desire to go on from here and continue to do great things,” said Buck.

Buck added that, from his perspective, he knows of no better way to prepare oneself for a future profession because of the responsibility, work ethic, organization and more that’s required from college athletes.

“To have Powell High School tacked behind their name, Powell, Wyoming, is pretty special. Very proud of them both,” said Buck, adding that he was “looking forward to what they’re going to do for themselves.”

Abraham told those in attendance that it’s “been a great opportunity moving from Oklahoma to here and growing with you guys and you guys have all left an impact on me, every single one of you guys, you truly have. You’ve made me into the person I am and I won’t forget that.”

Olsen said, “I’ve grown so much from this whole experience and I know I’m going to miss it a bunch, but, you know, just got to keep moving forward, keep climbing, as we always say.”

Both Abraham and Olsen thanked family, teachers, coaches and friends.

Tim Wormald, PHS activities director, reflected back on the football team’s run to the state championship game last year and said the team really developed and showed a lot of leadership.

“The accomplishment of this last fall and the leadership, by a lot of guys on the team as well as coming together as a team, you did a lot of great things and really exceeded expectations,” Wormald said. “And so I think that is a good place to start for you guys — and you’ll go on and do a lot of good things at the next level.”

Wormald added that he was looking forward to “seeing where you go from here.”