Modglin signs, Willen plans to today

~ Two local athletes will play at the Division I level next year.

Ryan Modglin signed his name on the dotted line, making it official.

He's now a Bear.

Modglin signed his national letter of intent Wednesday to play baseball at Missouri State. Wednesday was the first day athletes could sign with colleges during the NCAA early signing period.

"At first, I couldn't really believe it," Modglin said. "But it's great right now. It's unbelievable"

Modglin went 7-5 with a 2.10 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings for Scott City as a junior. He also batted .481 with four homers and 34 RBIs.

"It's pretty nice I don't have to worry about anything," he said. "I think it's a pretty good college for me to go to."

Notre Dame senior Ryan Willen, the co-Southeast Missourian basketball player of the year, did not sign his letter of intent to play basketball at Lafayette College. He said he plans to sign during a ceremony at the high school today.

"Coach wanted to wait so my family could be there to take pictures," Willen said. "I'll be pretty excited."

Willen averaged more than 22 points and 10 rebounds as a junior, helping the Bulldogs to a state runner-up finish in Class 4.