Four WVHS students sign National Letters of Intent for Division I schools, accepting athletic and merit scholarships

February 9, 2023

More great news out of Wildcats Country today, as four Warwick Wildcats signed National Letters of Intent, a form completed by student-athletes that indicates their commitment to play sports at NCAA colleges and universities.

Congratulations to Jesse Abramson, Shelby Spencer, Julia Singh, and Drew Borner!

See a gallery of images from the signing below this story.

This is the second such signing event for the district this year, after six Wildcats signed back in November.

Superintendent of Schools, David Leach, opened the event by sharing how excited he was for each of the athletes.

“We’re proud of you. Not only because of the records you’ve set or the teammates you’ve been, but the young men and women that you have become. That includes being scholars here in our district, and making sure that you have the skills and the disposition to excel on and off the field.”

Director of Athletics, Gregory Sirico, then introduced each signee before turning the microphone over to their individual coaches.

See a gallery of images from the signing below this story.

Jesse Abramson – Swimming

Jesse signed his letter to attend Fordham University, of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Morgan Harkness made Jesse one of Fordham’s top recruits this year, and Jesse chose Fordham after also receiving interest from Fairfield University, St. Bonaventure University, and Old Dominion University.

Jesse placed 8th in the 200-yard Freestyle and 12th in the 500 Freestyle during the 2022 NYSPHSAA Championships. He has qualified for the NYS Championship every year since 2020-2021, and holds four WVHS records: 200- and 500-yard freestyles, the 100-yard backstroke, and the 200-yard medley relay.

Jesse immediately contributed to the swim team when he started competing as an eighth grader. By ninth grade he’d become the most improved team member, and in tenth he was breaking school records, winning Section championships, and qualifying for States.

“Jesse is the most accomplished swimmer in Warwick history,” said swim coach Woodward. “And right now he’s arguably the top swimmer in Section IX. He’s one of the top swimmers of the state! This is my thirty-eighth year of coaching, and I’ve never seen a high school athlete this committed to their sport.”

Jesse’s parents are Eric and Raina Abramson, and he has a brother, Kyle. Jesse plans to major in business with a concentration in finance.

Athletic Achievements

WVHS swim captain
Qualified for States in five events
Ranked 5th in NY State, 200-yard Freestyle
Ranked 15th in NYS, 500-yard Freestyle

Academic Accomplishments

GPA: 95
Four-time NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete
National Honor Society Member

See a gallery of images from the signing below this story.

Shelby Spencer – XC/Track & Field

Shelby signed her letter to attend Campbell University, a Big South Conference, Division I school in North Carolina. A multi-talented runner who ranges from the 800m to the 5K, Shelby’s personal bests are a 5:14 for the 1500m and 11:25 for the 3000m. She was recruited to run for Campbell by coach Evan Darm, and Shelby chose Campbell after also being heavily recruited by St. Thomas University.

“Shelby has continued to improve this season, really buying into the workouts, and she’s close to qualifying for States,” said Coach Candia. “She’s got a lot more great indoor and outdoor races to go, and I know she’ll step up at the next level. The Big South Conference is getting a great one.”

Shelby’s parents are Miranda and Carl Spencer, and she has three siblings, Mikayla, Chloe, and Payton. Shelby has earned both a National Merit and athletic scholarship, and plans to study Political Science and Legal Studies.

Athletic Achievements

11th Place, Section 9 Class A Meet
2nd Place, 2022 Brian Ahearn Classic 2000m Steeplechase

Academic Accomplishments

GPA: 91
National Honor Society candidate
Honors courses

See a gallery of images from the signing below this story.

Julia Singh – Track & Field

Julia signed her letter to attend and run track for the University at Buffalo, a Division I team in the Mid-American Conference. Julia is also a capable field athlete, with a triple jump of more than 33 feet. Julia is a longtime volunteer coach for Warwick Youth Track Club and Warwick Recreation.

“Julia is an incredible track and field athlete and it’s been an honor to see her evolution as a runner, from when she was in the rec program as a kid, to seeing her compete now at such a high level,” said Coach Thomas. “Her focus and work ethic are hard to match, and she always encourages her teammates and pushes them to do better.”

Julia’s parents are Polly Mautner and Guy Singh, and she has a brother, Justin. She is receiving the Academic Pride of New York scholarship, and chose Buffalo for its Materials Science Engineering program.

Athletic Achievements

12th place, 2022 Indoor State Championship (600m)
Competing at Nike Indoor Nationals, March 2023 (800m, 4x400m relay, sprint medley relay)

Academic Accomplishments

GPA: 104.7
NYSPHAA Scholar Athlete
Army All-American Scholar Athlete
Mu Alpha Theta Honors Society
Student Senate

See a gallery of images from the signing below this story.

Drew Borner – Football, Soccer, & Tennis

Drew signed his letter to attend and play football for the Wagner College in Staten Island, a Division I school in the Northeast Conference. Drew was recruited by assistant coach and special teams coordinator Jim Munson to play kicker, place kicker, and punter.

Coach Sirico lauded Drew for his outstanding Wildcats career.

“He had 10 touchbacks in the 2022 season, and has scored 70 career points, which is a lot for a kicker!”

Drew, echoed sentiments shared during the event by his fellow signees.

He said, “I want to thank all of my coaches here at Warwick. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I’m standing today. Thank you to my teammates, all my friends. Without your support, I wouldn’t be the person or athlete I am today. And finally, my parents, for the countless hours you guys have spent driving me [around] the East coast.”

Drew has earned both an athletic scholarship and a Founders Scholarship, and chose Wagner after also being scouted by St. John Fisher, Brockport, and Stony Brook. His parents are Craig and Jessica Borner, and he has a twin sister, Alexa. Drew will major in business marketing.

Athletic Achievements