Ryan Mendoza, Chase Miles Exodus Freeman Senji Frye and Aeryn Wickersheim commit to the colleges of their choices 

On a sunny Tuesday afternoon at Burbank High School five Burbank High student athletes committed to the colleges of their choices during the school’s lunch hour.

“We had more athletes sign this year and I’m so proud of their hard work that they put in during their four years of high school.” said Alli McKain. McKain also added that the parents put in a lot of effort for their kids in playing sports at Burbank high school. 

Ryan Mendoza 

A two sport athlete, Mendoza was part of the Burbank High’s football and boys soccer teams during his four years of playing high school Sports. Mendoza, a kicker, will be playing college football at William Woods University in Fulton, Kansas. During the 2025 football season, Mendoza appeared in 11 games and also kicked for 1,856 yards in his senior season.

Mendoza’s memorable moment as a Burbank High Varsity football kicker was when he kicked the game winning field goal against St. Genevieve in his junior season where the Bulldogs won 29-26 back on August 30th of 2024. 

“It’s a blessing for me to take my athletic career to the next level,” said Mendoza. “My family pushed me to be the best version of myself to be where I’m at today.” Mendoza added that his teammates on the football team taught him to never give up and always persevere when discussing what he’s learned through his senior season. 

Chase Miles 

A three-year member of the Bulldogs varsity team, Chase Miles will be playing college football at Mount Mary University in Yankton, South Dakota. This past football season, Miles was third on the team with 11 receiving touchdowns and earned first team defensive Pacific League honors. “I’m excited for this opportunity, the college offers me to play in a competitive environment and I look forward to getting to know my new teammates. 

Exodus Freeman 

A two-year member of the Bulldogs varsity football team, Exodus Freeman will be playing college football at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Freeman spent the first two years of playing high school football at Chaminade high school before transferring to Burbank. This past fall, Freeman won the homecoming game MVP, and also earned First Team Offensive All Pacific League Honors. Freeman put up big numbers during his two seasons with the Bulldogs, as he received for 1,106 yards, recorded 54 receptions, and 15 career receiving touchdowns. 

“I’m very excited to play college football at Benedictine College in the fall,” said Freeman. “I’m looking forward to getting to know my new teammates and coaches.” Freeman also added he’s ready to win a championship with Benedictine college. 

“I’m excited for Exodus, Chase and Ryan for their commitment to play college football, they all have done so much hard work to get to the position of earning the opportunity to play college football,” said Hector Valencia. He also added that the coaches from William Woods football, Mount Mary football and Benedictine football are getting dedicated players in his graduating trio. 

Aeryn Wickersheim 

A four-year member of the Burbank swim and diving team Aeryn Wickersheim will be committing to Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. Wickersheim had a great career with the swim and diving team, as she was a CIF Southern Section Qualifier for all four years. She placed eighth as an individual qualifier in her freshman year, second in her sophomore year, fourth in her junior year and in her senior year, a sixth place finisher. 

“I’m excited to continue my diving career at the Virginia Military Institute which is a Division 1 college,” said Wickersheim. Wickersheim added that she will miss the environment at Burbank High School when asked about what she will miss about diving in high school.

“Aeryn is an exceptional athlete and a fantastic person. She and I had conversations about going to Virginia Military Institute along with the scholarships that she’s received to also be in the ROTC unit in addition to her Division 1 scholarship to be a diver.” said Nate Benton. 

Seiji Frye 

A four-year member of the Burbank High boys golf team, Seiji Frye will be playing golf at the University of Redlands in Redlands, California. During his high school golf career, Frye was a two time team MVP, placed sixth place in individual placement in CIF in 2025 and then third in CIF in 2026, and first team All Pacific League player this past season. 

“I’m excited about the next phase of my golfing career,” said Frye. “I know it’s gonna be another long journey but I can’t wait to get to work.” Frye also added that there’s more to accomplish in college and to compete in more events. The five signing day participants will be crossing the stage at Burbank High’s graduation ceremony on Friday, May 29 at Memorial Field.