4 Riverview Athletes Sign Letters of Intent

For Riverview High School baseball coach Bill Leiby, watching three of his players sign letters of intent to attend Webber International University in Babson Park was a bittersweet moment.

"We're going to miss them," said Leiby of players Justin Rose, Derek Jeffery and Chris Gauthier. "They played 40 games in two years and are leaving with a lot of school records."

In fact, the three players helped lead the Sharks to regional finals where, disappointingly, the Sharks narrowly lost their bid for state in a 2-1 loss to Brandon High School May 8.

At the same time, Leiby couldn't help a moment of pride as the trio put pen to paper.

"Webber is a great fit for them," said Leiby. "I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do there."

Riverview short stop and first baseman Justin Rose said he's ready to take his baseball career to the next level.

"I'm ready to go now," said Rose. "Heading to Webber is very exciting, and to know I'll still be able to play ball was a bonus."

Seated at the signing table next to him, first baseman Derek Jeffery nodded in agreement.

"They saw something special in all of us," said pitcher/outfielder Chris Gauthier. "It's a big accomplishment."

Riverview High School athletic director Kevin Massena said the signings culminated a great year for Sharks baseball.

"I had a good time watching baseball this year," he said. "It was a very good run, and I especially enjoyed watching these guys."

But Massena was equally thrilled to watch a fourth Riverview athlete sign his letter of intent.

Also on hand was track and cross country runner Michael Babinec, who is headed to the University of South Florida on a cross country scholarship.

"I've know Michael a long time from the Boy Scouts," said Massena of Babinec who will soon earn his Eagle Scout award. "It's been a pleasure watching him run."

This year Babinec won the district championship in both the mile and 2-mile, was regional champion in the mile and runner-up in the 2-mile at the regionals at Leto High School April 25.

That qualified him for state competition in the two events. However, Babinec opted for the 2-mile run at state May 5 in Jacksonville, coming in seventh in the state.

"He's leaving behind some big shoes to fill," said head boys track coach Jason Munsch.

"Michael's been a true leader on his team," added cross country coach Shanna Brown. "You think of cross country as an individual sport but Michael was always willing to put the team first. That unselfishness is what's going to make him a success and his toughness will take him to the next level."

"They're all good students, good leaders and good athletes who show by example," said Principal Robert Heilman. "And that's a great reflection on Riverview High School."