LYNN HAVEN, Fla. — Mosley High School celebrated a landmark National Signing Day as four athletes signed to continue their careers at the collegiate level, with each bringing a unique story of growth, perseverance and opportunity.

Bass fishermen Jacob Shultz and Mason Daniels made Bay County history as the first anglers from the county to earn collegiate scholarships to fish at the college level, while offensive linemen Jase Jernigan and Joseph Chima signed to play football at Missouri Southern State University.

Joseph Chima — Football (Missouri Southern State University)

Joseph Chima’s signing marked the culmination of an emotional and transformative journey.

“Amazing,” Chima said. “God gave me this opportunity, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

“My mom birthed me for a reason. God called me here for a reason,” he added. “I’m going to show everybody that reason.”

Chima said Mosley played a major role in helping him through adversity.

“Family,” Chima said. “They bring you in like a family. The people at Mosley, they’re very respectful, they’re loving, they care for you, and they want to see you thrive in the world.”

“They saw that I was down. I was broken,” he said. “But they built me up, they helped me stand on my feet.”

Chima said he plans to carry those lessons forward. “Now I’m gonna live my life. I’m gonna try to do my hardest every single day — on the field, in my academics, in my family, and in my relationship with God.”

Looking ahead to college, Chima said his focus is on building his future.

“Honestly, I’m ready to build my future,” he said. “I want to show the world who I am. I want to get my last name out there. I want to show what it means to be a Chima.”

Jase Jernigan — Football (Missouri Southern State University)

Offensive lineman Jase Jernigan signed to play football at Missouri Southern State University, a moment shaped by his time at Mosley and the support of his coaches.

“Mosley’s the best program around, and I stand by that,” Jernigan said. “Coach Whiddon does a really good job, and I just believe in Coach Whiddon and the rest of the staff.”

Jernigan said signing alongside teammate Joseph Chima made the experience even more special.

“Me and Chima went on a visit this past weekend together, and we both committed at the same time,” he said. “I think it’s just cool to go with your teammate.”

Looking ahead, Jernigan said he’s eager for the next step.

“I’d probably say the weight room, getting stronger, and just meeting the guys,” he said.

Jernigan said he’s comfortable with the colder climate. “I don’t mind snow. I don’t like it hot and I like being cold, so it won’t really affect me.”

Jacob Shultz — Bass Fishing (Catawba Valley Community College)

Jacob Shultz signed to fish at Catawba Valley Community College, calling the moment both exciting and meaningful.

“It feels great. I’m excited for it,” Shultz said. “I’ll get a lot more experience with it and hopefully carry it on to another level — to be one of the best Bassmaster Elites, hopefully.”

Shultz said his development as a fisherman has been shaped by his family and Mosley’s growing fishing program.

“It shaped me a lot,” Shultz said. “I used to do recreational tournaments with my dad, and now getting this with a new partner — and my dad still being my captain — it shaped a lot.”

He said the team’s growth has mirrored his own. “The team has progressed a lot since last year, and it’s going to progress a lot more.”

Looking ahead to college, Shultz said he’s excited about more than just competition. “Traveling the country and meeting new people. I’m excited for it.”

Mason Daniels — Bass Fishing (FSU Panama City)

Mason Daniels signed to fish at Florida State University Panama City, joining Shultz in making county history.

“I’m just super excited,” Daniels said. “This is an unbelievable opportunity for me to further my education and then compete at the collegiate level. This is really a dream come true.”

Daniels said the opportunity is something he never imagined for himself.

“Absolutely not,” he said. “If you had told me even maybe a year before, I would have never believed it. This is truly unbelievable.”

He credited those around him for helping make the moment possible.

“I attribute it all to the sacrifices of our coaches and our sponsors and my parents and everybody that’s been involved,” Daniels said. “I’m eternally grateful for everything they’ve done.”

Daniels said Mosley’s fishing team has grown significantly in a short time.

“The team, it’s the first year. It wasn’t too big,” he said. “But this year, I’m really seeing us all become friends. We’re hanging out more outside, and the team’s doubled in size. There’s just so much more people and I can only see it growing from here.”

In college, Daniels said he’s looking forward to balancing academics and competition.

“Pretty much everything,” he said. “From studying — I’m going to study engineering there — to of course the fishing. That’s always going to be great.”

Banji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Mosley high school athletes sign to play college sports, make history