Even though winter is fast approaching, two Whitehall athletes thoughts turned toward spring as they made their plans official for the next four years.

With pens in hand instead of the their preferred bats, Madison Kelly and Jacob Wloczewski, signed their National Letters of Intent on November 14 at a ceremony in the high school.

Wloczewski will attend Binghamton University in the fall, a Division I school that rests in a valley at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers in New York. He will play baseball and lean toward a degree in health or science.

Wloczewski said that after visiting Binghamton, the choice was easy.

"We went up there and I just felt so comfortable," said Wloczewski.

He said that while baseball was a big factor in his decision, the fact that the school stressed academics ultimately swayed him.

Wloczewski will become a member of the Bearcats, playing for coach Tim Sinicki in the America East Conference.

Getting to this point in his life has been a driving force ever since he entered his freshman season. That's when he decided baseball would get his full attention and he dedicated his time to ensure he would have that opportunity. Putting his name on the dotted line was a culmination of that effort.

"My biggest goal was to get into a Division I school," said Wloczewski.

Wloczewski said that baseball is in his blood, a sport that's defined by failure more than success. Still, it's a game that's captured him, settling in his marrow.

"I can't get rid of it even if I wanted to," said Wloczewski.

That grip led him to pursue more opportunities, notably with the Triple Threat Bearcats, a travel team widened his horizons and honed his skills. Wloczewski said that his experience with the Bearcats, and his association with coaches Jim Monzo and Ray Mikell, opened the door to his arrival at Binghamton University.

Zephyr baseball coach Shaun O'Boyle also played a pivotal role, getting the word out about Wloczewski who is a three-year starter for Whitehall. O'Boyle said that Wloczewski lives and breathes the sport, a determined athlete who's versatility makes him a precious commodity.

"He's die-hard baseball," said O'Boyle. "He's just a hard worker. He's been that way for four years."

O'Boyle knew that playing for a Division I school was on Wloczewski's radar.

"He worked at it and he did it," O'Boyle said.

Wloczewski also benefited from his relationship with CoreXcell, increasing his strength and flexibility. The senior said he saw results almost immediately, gaining ten miles per hour on his fastball within a year. He continues to work out at the facility, maintaining that speed and elasticity.

He finished last season batting .463 and was one of their top pitchers, mixing in a fastball, curve, change-up and slider. He posted a 1.78 ERA and led the team in strikeouts with 43.

Wloczewski made his decision to play college ball at Binghamton in his junior year, leaving his senior year free from distractions. His goals this year are to make it to the Lehigh Valley Conference playoffs, as well as a trip to districts with an eye toward the state tourney.

"We want to have a strong year as a team," said Wloczewski.

Kelly also is an avid ballplayer, having been toting a bat since she was a toddler. Like Wloczewski, Kelly fell in love with the campus upon her visit. And so she committed to Quinnipiac University to play softball for the Bobcats, a Division I school that rests in the shadow of Sleeping Giant Mountain in New Haven, Connecticut.

And her journey to the picturesque campus in New England was also fueled by a desire to play ball at a the highest level.

"I always dreamed about playing Division I softball," said Kelly.

She'll be playing under coach Germaine Fairchild who's guided the Bobcats to Northeast Conference Tournaments berths the last two seasons. She'll enter the School of Business & Engineering with an eye toward an accounting degree.

Kelly's journey to Connecticut also began in earnest when she started playing tournament ball, suiting up for the Lehigh Valley Flames when she was 12. Later, she played for Jersey Inferno Gold, a travel team whose roster is filled with Division I athletes. That experience has given her a wide range of friendships with girls all over the country, as well as a way for college coaches to see her in action. As a result, she drew the attention of the staff at Quinnipiac and will be suiting up for the Bobcats next fall.

Kelly said that playing ball for Inferno involves a lot of time and travel, not to mention the expense associated with an elite organization. The help she's received along the way has allowed her to fulfill her dream.

"If it wasn't for my parents, I wouldn't be where I am today," said Kelly.

Kelly loves the game and the camaraderie it brings.

"I love that it's a team sport and your teammates are there to pick you up," said Kelly. "I've made friendships from all over the place and that's something I'll always have, and that's pretty amazing."

The rifle-armed shortstop has been a starter since her freshman season, and has been a Lehigh Valley Conference all-star during that period. She was also named to the All-Area team last year by a local publication and has been recognized as one of the top players in the state, earning second team honors.

She said that this season should be another good year for the Zephs as they return their starting infield. Kelly also said their goal is to once again reach the playoffs and compete for both a league and district title. Personally, she would like to be named to first teal all-state and finish her career with a chance to play for a state title.