Seniors Matt Ritchey, Steven Henry, Kyler McGee and Thaddeus Straughter all signed national letters of intent at Big Spring High School on national signing day as they move on from a 10-win season and a third-round playoff run.

Ritchey signed with Baylor, which he committed to last year; Henry will enroll at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, a Division II institution; McGee will play at Eastern New Mexico, also a Division II school; and Straughter will play at Cisco College in the NJCAA.

“It’s an ending to a great season,” coach Phillip Ritchey said. “These guys had dreams of playing at the next level, and that that’s come to fruition today is great. To know that our season probably had a part in that, us having the succes that we did and having a little extra attention for our kids in the third round, it’s just all a big positive for our school system.”

Matt Ritchey was named this season’s District 4-4A defensive MVP and was a two-year all-district selection. Ritchey played quarterback, running back, tight end, punter and linebacker during his time at Big Spring, including a 1,000-yard running and passing season as signal caller in 2008 while filling in for an injured Tyler Tannehill. He committed to Baylor last spring as a junior and will play linebacker for the Bears.

“It was a big relief to know it’s a done deal,” Matt Ritchey said. “I’m excited to go on and play and compete at such a high level, and hopefully make a difference for the team.”

Henry is one of five defensive recruits joining Oklahoma Panhandle State, which was a 5-6 team a year ago. The All-District 4-4A selection is projected to compete on special teams in his first season with the Aggies.

“I’m just excited to go play and continue on with my football career, and do it while I get my education,” Henry said. “Football is one of my loves of this world. When you get to continue one of your favorite things, it makes you happy.”

McGee, an honorable mention District 4-4A selection in 2009, joins an Eastern New Mexico team that will play its first season in the Lone Star Conference north division in 2010. The Greyhounds went 6-5 last season.

McGee wasn’t originally targeted by the Greyhounds, but he impressed scouts at the Steers’ playoff win over Canyon in Lubbock this season. McGee said he chose Eastern New Mexico over several other Lone Star Conference schools who offered him.

“It’s a real family environment down there, so that was a big part of my decision,” he said. “I fit in down there and that’s pretty much why I’m going.”

Straughter will take the junior college route to what he hopes parlays into a four-year college offer. Straughter, who caught 45 balls for 848 yards and 15 touchdowns this season and was name first-team all-district, says he’s ready to get to work and improve his game.

“I know I can get there,” Straughter said of his goals. “I know it will take two years of work. I’m going to work hard, and I already met a couple people out there on the team who told me I have to work hard and be dedicated.

“I’m happy to get there. I never really thought I would when I started playing junior high football, but I’m happy. I’m proud of myself.”