KEARNEY, Neb. — National Signing Day brought good news for Kearney football fans as several local high school seniors announced they will continue their athletic careers close to home.

Eleven Kearney High School students signed their letters of intent Wednesday to compete in college athletics, including four seniors committing to play football at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

John Florell, Zach Wulf, Cole Larsen and Carter Symington are all headed to UNK to continue their athletic and academic careers. 

UNK Head Football Coach Ryan Held said he is excited about the group and believes they have the potential to make an impact.

“We’ve done our research on them — they’re good men, they’re good people, and they’re good football players. I think this group’s got a chance to be really, really good,” said coach Held on ESPN Tri-Cities’ Doug and Daddy Show.

For the players, signing with UNK means continuing their football careers alongside longtime teammates while staying in their hometown.

“It’s a lot of excitement,” said Larsen. “It’s really nice to stay home and get to be teammates with the same kids that I played high school football with.”

Another player said staying in Kearney and continuing the local pipeline was important.

“Kearney kids staying in Kearney is a big deal for UNK,” said Wulf. “You can stay and play for a town you love, and I’m really proud of that tradition.”

Coach Held added that keeping local talent in Kearney strengthens the program and continues a pipeline that has helped the Lopers remain competitive year after year.