BAY VILLAGE, Ohio -- Three Bay High School seniors are ready to take the next step in their athletic careers. On April 9, Ben Frey, Caleb Rinehart and Cooper Baruxes made commitments to collegiate sports programs. Smiling, they were surrounded by friends and family, as well as their coaches and Bay High School Activities/Athletic Director Matt Spellman. “I know because of your strong work ethic, you’re going to do great in college,” Spellman told the three young men. Dressed in clothing bearing the logo of their future universities, the students proudly set sights on the next chapter. “You have a lot of people here to celebrate your success with you,” Spellman said, “but without the support of the many people in your lives -- especially your parents, driving you back and forth to practice -- we wouldn’t be here today.” The intended institutions include John Carroll University in University Heights and the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. Cooper Baruxes will play football for the University of Mount Union. “After I went to visit, I knew Mount Union was where I wanted to go,” he said. “It has such a dominant program, it just made it really attractive.” The Purple Raiders team has gained a dynamic and passionate player in signing Cooper. “This is his dream; football is his life,” shared his mom, Amy Baruxes, after the signing. Both his parents reflected on his life with football. “We probably have baby pictures with him holding a football,” Amy laughed. “We are just so excited for him. And proud. Very proud,” said his dad, Brandt Baruxes. Ben Frey will compete in men’s soccer for the John Carroll University Blue Streaks. Ben has earned many honors and awards in his career of playing soccer with the Bay Rockets, including the Golden Boot and the Jim House Award. He ended his career earning an astounding four varsity letters. Caleb Rinehart also committed to John Carroll University, where he will share his baseball talents with the Blue Streaks. Caleb has earned many awards in his athletic career so far and, astonishingly, earned this third varsity letter as a junior. Congratulations to these well deserved student-athletes and their families. The best is yet to come. Read more from the West Shore Sun.