Area high school football standouts commit to various colleges

MODESTO -- Stanislaus District athletes made their imprint on National Signing Day today, with five seniors making official their earlier verbal commitments to play Division I college football, and at least one other signing to wrestle at the NCAA's highest level.

At Central Catholic High School in Modesto, tight end John Mundt faxed in his letter of intent to accept a scholarship at the University of Oregon early this morning, then recreated the moment during a lunchtime ceremony inside the Raiders' gym. Mundt committed to play football for the Ducks last summer, but Wednesday was the first day he was able to ink the national letter of intent.

A few feet away, Joey Abbate, who led the state in interceptions last fall as a defensive back on the Raiders' state championship team, signed his letter of intent to wrestle at Duke University. Abbate's financial offer with Duke was heavy with academic aid.

This afternoon, Downey High quarterback Aaron Zwahlen will sign his letter of intent to accept Hawaii's offer of athletic aid. His Knights teammate, linebacker John Kreifels, has signed with Eastern Washington of the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-A.)

Also this afternoon, in Atwater, offensive lineman Aaron Cochran will sign his football offer sheet from the University of California, while his Buhach Colony football teammates Joe Marquez and Jayce Webster will sign papers to officially accept appointments to the Air Force Academy.