West Hartford Athletes Commit to Play College Sports

Four more Northwest Catholic seniors attended a ceremony Wednesday, announcing commitments to continue in their sports at the college level.

PJ Edwards of West Hartford will play football at Stonybrook College.

"I'm so excited! It's been my dream my entire life and now I can finally do it," Edwards said. Before playing football at Northwest, Edwards played for the West Hartford Youth Football League Colts and Raiders.

Nicholas Gaynor, also of West Hartford, will play football at Trinity College. "It's what I've always wanted ever since elementary school," said Gaynor who attended Charter Oak International Academy.

He is also a veteran of the West Hartford Youth Football League, having played for the Titans and Raiders.

Grace Kunkel of Avon will continue in her sport, and will be swimming at Boston College next year.

Thomas Vignati of West Simsbury will also be swimming in college. He will attend the College of the Holy Cross.

According to a news release from Northwest Catholic, "Edwards, of West Hartford, has been a member of the football team for the past three years, playing offensive tackle, tight end and defensive end. He has been named All-Conference and All-Academic. PJ has also been a member and captain of the boys’ basketball team."

Gaynor, according to the release, "has been a member of the football team for four years and was the first three-time All-State football player in NWC history, earning that honor his sophomore, junior, and senior years at defensive safety. Nick also broke the combined total offensive yards records as a running back, wide receiver, punt returner and kick-off returner and is the all-time leading tackler in school history. He was named team MVP in 2011 and 2012 and was selected to play on the Connecticut National Guard team in the 2013 Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame Classic Military Bowl. Nick has also been a member and captain of the boys’ basketball team."

Kunkel, according to the release, "has been a member of the swim team for four years, earning All-Academic honors several times. She was team captain for the 2012-2013 season and competed in the Class S State meet as a member of the 200 meter medley relay. Her other swimming events throughout the season included the 100 meter breaststroke and backstroke, the 200 meter freestyle and the 400 meter freestyle relay. Grace also received the Coaches Award at the end of the 2011-2012 season."

Vignati has also been a of the swim team for four years. according to the release he has earned All-Academic honors several times. "He competed in the Class S State meet as a member of the 200 meter medley relay this past season. Other swimming events include the 200 meter individual medley and the 500 meter freestyle. Tom was team MVP for the 2011-2012 season."

"We're so proud of these students ... continuing along the line with their other classmates who are going on to play high level college athletics," said NWC Principal Margaret Williamson.