LAKEWOOD – As part of National Signing Day, four Lakewood High School student-athletes signed letters of intent committing to colleges.

Signing their contracts were Jon Cox, who will attend Central Washington University as a tight end in football ; javelin thrower Paige Shimkus, Western Washington University; Jelly Perry, basketballat Skagit Valley College; and volleyball standout Sidney Goodall, who signed with Pierce College in Tacoma.

Lakewood Athletic Director Kristin DiJosie said all four achieved at the prep level on the court and field, and in the classroom thanks to their families, teachers, counselors, coaches and staff.

Head Football Coach Dan Teeter offered high praise for Cox, a 6 foot 5 inch 225-pound tight end. He was team captain and helped the Cougars finish as league champions this year in the Northwest Conference.

“Jon was probably the most passionate leader we’ve had as a captain in my time at Lakewood, and very demanding of his team, raising the expectations from them,” Teeter said.

In keeping with a school sports tradition, Cox’s name will be enshrined on the “Collegiate Cougars” wall in the locker room for players who move on to college sports.

Cox finished fourth in career receptions and receiving touchdowns, with 91 catches for 1,172 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Cox can’t wait to get to Central.

“They have an attitude of ‘team first,” he said.

Shimkus two years ago broke the school javelin record, then broke her own record with a throw of 132 feet, 9 inches.

She chose Western because its javelin program is exceptional, and “they have a journalism program that’s my intended major, so it all kind of worked out.”

Track coach Tasha Kryger said Shimkus excelled at javelin quickly, going to state her first year. She’s been a district champion and went on to compete at nations, earning her All-America honors.

“After she got into her freshman year, she started throwing the stick,” Kryger said. “It’s not only power; it’s technique.”

Girls basketball coach Chris Walster said Perry is “quite possibly the best female basketball player to ever go through Lakewood.” Walster said Perry was nationally ranked as a rebounder, averaging 17 a game, along with 18 points.

Perry said Skagit Valley was the best school to help her achieve her goal to become a firefighter.

Goodall, who wants to be a dental hygenist, liked Pierce because it’s far away but close enough to be not too far from home.

Retired volleyball coach Megan Hunter said Pierce College is getting a well-rounded player in Goodall.

“Sid is by far the best right-side hitter I’ve ever coached,” Hunter said, adding that her smarts, volleyball IQ and team play are second to none.