Simmons signs with GSC

Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer

Graduation week is always an exciting time for seniors, but for Irish Simmons, of Arbovale, it was even more so because not only did she receive her degree, she also signed with Glenville State College to be on the school’s track and field team.

Simmons, daughter of Kevin and Sandra Simmons, made her commitment to GSC just days before becoming an official graduate of Pocahontas County High School.

“I signed to run track to be a high jumper,” Simmons said. “I really liked their campus, and it’s a lot like home. It’s also really close.”

Simmons plans to become a veterinarian, which requires eight years of schooling. She will take two years of undergraduate studies at GSC before transferring to West Virginia University. Once she receives her degree, she will continue her education at a veterinarian school.

“The one I’m looking to go to, hopefully, is Virginia Maryland,” Simmons said.

She is excited to join the GSC track team and said her four years on the PCHS team has prepared her for collegiate competition.

“I ran track all four years of high school, and I absolutely loved it,” she said. “When I found out that there were colleges that do track, I looked into them, and I found out that Glenville had more than just high jump and a few other things I’d like to try. It’s been a dream of mine to run track in college.”