To his family.

To his coaches.

To his teammates.

And to his school.

Randolph senior Andrew Bernard, seated in front middle, signed his national letter of intent Wednesday to continue his academic and football career at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Joining him, seated in front, from left, are his father, Bill; and his mother, Kathy. In back are: Brent Brown, Randolph varsity football coach; Robin Maycock, Randolph athletic director; and Nate Armella, Randolph varsity football assistant coach. Submitted photo

It was a familiar ritual that played out throughout the day across the United States on what has become known annually as college football’s National Signing Day.

In Card’s case, he will be headed to Saint Anselm College, a Division II school in Goffstown, New Hampshire, in the fall where he is earmarked for a wideout spot after his record-setting career with the Trojans.

“They’re a high academic school, and that’s the first thing I looked at,” Card said. “The second thing was football. … I want to be part of building a program, and I have the opportunity to do that there.”

Saint Anselm is a member of the Northeast-10 Conference and is coming off a 1-8 season, but Southwestern head coach Jehuu Caulcrick believes the fit is perfect for Card.

“It’s a good offense for a receiver to be in,” Caulcrick said. “I’m just excited for him that his hard work has paid off.”

Maple Grove senior Carson Crist, seated in front middle, signed his national letter of intent Wednesday to continue his academic and football career at Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Joining him, seated in front, from left, are his father, Scott; and his mother, Shelly. In back are: Cam Crist, Carson’s younger brother; and Justin Hanft, Maple Grove varsity football coach. Submitted photo

The numbers don’t lie.

In 2018, Card was a Post-Journal all-star; a first-team All-Western New York choice; a New York State Sportswriters Association Class C first-team selection; and the Class C South Offensive Player of the Year.

Along the way, he set nine school records during his time with the Trojans, including single-season marks for receptions (66) and yards (1,105). He also caught 17 of a school-record 27 career TD passes in 2018, was a Connolly Cup finalist and made 45 of 46 extra-point kicks.

Card wasn’t the only area football player to make his college intentions official yesterday.

The local signees at press time, besides Card, were Andrew Bernard of Randolph/Frewsburg and Carson Crist of Maple Grove, who are both headed to Mercyhurst University, a Division II program in Erie, Pennsylvania; and Garrett McClelland of Clymer/Sherman/Panama, who signed with Gannon University, which is also in Erie.

¯ Bernard anchored an offense that helped the Cardinals gain 3,061 yards. On defense, he made 99 tackles, recorded six sacks and forced a fumble. For his efforts, he was a Post-Journal all-star; a first-team New York State Sportswriters Association Class C selection; an American Family Insurance ALL-USA selection; and a Trench Trophy finalist.

¯ Crist was named a Post-Journal all-star; a third-team All-WNY selection; a Section VI Class D all-star; and a New York State Sportswriters Association Class D honorable-mention selection choice. As a defensive back, he was in on 50 tackles, including three sacks; intercepted two passes; broke up a pass; and forced a fumble. As a quarterback, he threw for more than 1,600 yards and 20 touchdowns, and as a punter — his likely position at Mercyhurst — he averaged 33 yards per punt.

“Carson is just coming into a zone athletically,” said Maple Grove coach Justin Hanft in an email to area media. “He has a big frame and will continue to grow into that at the next level. He has been successful in everything he has played at Maple Grove. He is the perfect addition to their program. He works hard, he is talented, and he is coachable. With the added time and attention, he will receive from the staff at Mercyhurst, I can’t wait to see what he is able to accomplish.”

Crist said the main reason he chose Mercyhurst was because it “felt like home.”

“It has such a great atmosphere and the coaches and players genuinely loved being a part of the university,” he said. ” Another huge factor for me was them having my intended major, cyber security. I am so excited to get there, and I cannot wait to start training.”

Mercyhurst, is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. The Lakers were fifth in the PSAC Western Division with a 5-6 record, but finished the season strong by winning their final three games.

¯ McClelland, a NYSSWA Class D honorable-mention kicker for C/S/P, signed as a preferred walk-on running back at Gannon. In 2018, he booted 42 extra points and averaged 8.0 yards per carry in limited opportunities in the backfield. Gannon, a Division II school, is also a member of the PSAC West Division. It finished 2018 with a 2-9 record.

Several other Wolfpack players also plan to play in the fall at the Division III level, according to Coach Ty Harper. Derek Ecklund and Robbie Overton are headed to Alfred State; Michael Beatman is bound for SUNY Cortland; and Jordan Smouse has committed to Baldwin-Wallace.