Sports

Fort Walton Beach High School celebrates signing day as 21 Vikings commit to next level

Twenty-one student-athletes across 12 sports signed letters of intent Monday, capping a banner year for Viking athletics.

Travis Espy

Athletic Director Holly McDaniel had reason to be proud Tuesday afternoon.

The Fort Walton Beach High School athletic director stood before 21 student-athletes, their families and coaches, all gathered to celebrate a signing day that reflected just how strong a year it was for Viking athletics. Twenty-one student-athletes across 12 sports signed letters of intent to compete at the next level.

“You have left a stamp on this school,” McDaniel told the group in her opening remarks.

And left a stamp they did, all in different ways.

Football

Austin Bouck has a strong case as one of the greats in the Fort Walton Beach football program, even during a stretch where the program has not been at the level it once was. Bouck’s senior year backed that up: eight sacks and 23 tackles for loss.

Head football coach Josh Pulliam called Bouck “one of the most explosive and dominant” players he’s ever coached, and a player that opposing teams scheme around. Bouck will take his talents to Jacksonville State.

“It’s a great campus, great people, and I’m ready to play,” Bouck said.

But Bouck’s impact on Fort Walton Beach football extends beyond the stat sheet. He helped set a solid culture during Pulliam’s first year and stayed loyal to the program when he could have played elsewhere.

“This team and this school has built me into the best man I can be, and I have a special spot in my heart for this school and the football team here,” Bouck said. “I loved balling out with my teammates here, so I had to stay here.”

Jamal Jefferson, a two-way player, signed with Ripon College. Jefferson had 53 total tackles and an interception, with Pulliam calling him “a leader of our defense” who brings fire — and in simple terms, “a hunting dog.”

Mikko DeLong, a talented safety, signed with Manchester University. DeLong had 40 tackles and an interception his senior year. Pulliam called him “the kind of player every coach appreciates” for giving everything he had.

Cheerleading

Multisport star Stella Swint, who competed in both cheerleading and flag football, is headed to Troy University to continue her cheerleading career. She becomes the first Division I cheerleader the Vikings have produced in some time.

“I’m really proud to represent the cheer team, and it makes me more proud of myself since it hasn’t happened in a while,” Swint said.

Swint was a four-year captain and this year led the Vikings to a state title in cheerleading. Head cheer coach Kristal Duval called her “the kind of athlete every coach hopes for.”

Boys soccer

Isaiah Esparza, who played a key role anchoring the defense during both of the Vikings’ Final Four runs, signed with West Alabama. Head coach Mario Rodriguez called him “a player that would leave a lasting impact on the program” and said he “represented what it means to be a Viking.”

Esparza echoed his coach.

“I think I’ve set the standard of what it means to be a Viking,” Esparza said. “The kids coming back next year see what it takes.”

Girls basketball

Chloe Burgos, arguably the best sixth girl in the area this season, is headed to Miami Dade College to continue her career. Burgos played a key role in the Lady Vikings’ Elite Eight run as the lone senior among the team’s key contributors and a sharpshooter off the bench, averaging 5.8 points per game.

Head coach Mercedez Claybrone said Burgos “made it clear from Day 1 she would do whatever it takes,” noting that she battled through an ankle injury early in the season.

Flag football

Cameron Coraggio, a two-way standout at wide receiver and defensive back, signed with Shelton State College in Tuscaloosa. Coraggio led the Lady Vikings in receiving yards this past season with 717 yards and five touchdowns, while also recording 20 flag pulls and 13 interceptions.

Head coach Tommy Johnson said he knew from day one that Coraggio would be special, pointing to a work ethic that had her first to practice and last to leave.

Softball

Two Lady Vikings will be headed to Enterprise State Community College: Meredith Miller and Kelsie Hearne. Both played key roles in the Lady Vikings’ state title last year and both helped propel Fort Walton Beach to the Sweet 16 this season.

Head coach Taryn Gray called Miller “a wall” at shortstop, while calling Hearne “a Viking in every sense of the word.”

Girls soccer

Five Lady Vikings signed to play at the collegiate level after helping lead Fort Walton Beach to three straight district titles and what head coach Manny Paravalos described as a historic run.

“They have their names etched in the history of girls soccer” at Fort Walton Beach, Paravalos said.

Sabrina DeLarca and Kiara Pulgarin are both headed to the United States Sports University in Daphne, Alabama. Gabby Pardon signed with the University of Mobile, Gabby Perez will attend Millsaps College and Lillie Smith is headed to Pensacola State College.

Lacrosse

Two Vikings who helped lead the lacrosse program to new heights are moving on to the next level. Logan Bentley signed with the Community College of Baltimore County, Essex, and Parker Jurgens is headed to St. Thomas University.

Head coach Frank Graziano said both players have “the ability to learn and ability to teach,” helping them set a culture for future players. The pair helped lead the lacrosse team to its first district playoff win this year.

Swimming

Sawyer Downs, a multiple-time school record holder and state medalist, signed with Indian River State College. Head coach Will Breechel said Downs’ work ethic “brings whatever group he’s in” up.

Cross-country/track

Two childhood best friends will continue their careers at the next level.

Ethan Chance signed with Lynn University and Nate Jucha is headed to Southeastern University. Coach Jucha, Nate’s mom and an assistant on both squads, praised the pair, calling them “amazing young men.”