Bearcat athletes commit to colleges at Annual Signing Day
By Camille DeVaul · Thu May 21 2026
Paso Robles High School celebrates 14 students continuing academic and athletic journeys
Feature Image by PRHS Crimson Photographer, Luis Muni
PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles High School celebrated 14 student-athletes during its annual College Signing Day ceremony held Tuesday afternoon in Gil Asa Gym, recognizing students who committed to continue both their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.
The event held on May 19 honored the dedication, perseverance, and years of hard work required to compete in college athletics while maintaining success in the classroom. Surrounded by family members, teammates, coaches, teachers, and supporters, each student-athlete signed to their respective colleges and universities as part of the ceremony.
“For these student-athletes, signing to compete at the collegiate level represents years of dedication, sacrifice, and commitment both academically and athletically,” said Paso Robles High School Principal and Athletic Director Mike Susank. “We are incredibly proud of the way they have represented Paso Robles High School and Bearcat Athletics. This achievement reflects their hard work, the guidance of their coaches and teachers, and the unwavering support of their families and community.”
The following student-athletes were recognized during the signing ceremony:
Sawyer Stong — Volleyball — Emmanuel College
Ethan Rickerd — Football — Azusa Pacific University
Tre Clark — Football — Bethel College
John Dawson Blaney — Tennis — Whittier College
Justin Wilshusen — Track and Field — Cuesta College
Taylor Gignoux — Stunt — University of the Pacific
Brian Arndt — Cross Country and Track — Colorado School of Mines
Kimberly Hernandez — Soccer — Cuesta College
Briseida Guardado — Soccer — Cuesta College
Anaiah Prado — Cheer — William Jessup University
Teagan Borla — Stunt — William Jessup University
Colin Daugherty — Volleyball — William Jessup University
Joseph De Liema — Volleyball — Fullerton College
Amelia Lobo — Track and Field — George Fox University
Track and Field Coach Codi Wilshusen took a moment to speak about one of her athletes — and her younger brother — Justin Wilshusen, who signed with Cuesta College to continue his track and field career.
"I'm incredibly honored to be here today to celebrate Justin's commitment to continue his athletic journey at Cuesta Community College," Codi shared. "As Justin's head coach, and more importantly, his sister, I've had the unique privilege of watching him grow both as an athlete and as a person over the last four years, but really the last 17."
Codi reflected on their brother/sister relationship, what stood out most was Justin’s “unwavering dedication and work ethic.”
She said those qualities are what drive success in any sport, adding that beyond his individual achievements, Justin had been an exceptional leader and teammate who “never hesitated to step up and compete in whatever event he needed,” calling it a level of versatility and selflessness that “doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Codi went on to highlight his accomplishments at Paso Robles High School, where he became the school record holder in the pole vault at 17 feet — a mark that also ranked among the top performances in both the state and the nation. She noted he also finished as the No. 2 all-time performer in the 300-meter hurdles and recently climbed to No. 3 all-time in the 100-meter dash after running a personal best of 10.89 seconds.
"I wanted to say thank you to all my coaches, my dad and my sister, and everyone that's coached me throughout the years," Justin shared. "I wanted to say thank you to my family. They've always been supportive, and they've always been there for me. I thank my girlfriend, she's always there for me."
In addition to the on-campus ceremony, the student-athletes are scheduled to be formally recognized during the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting on June 9.