River View’s Bookless signs with Walsh

River View High School senior Cassidi Bookless (center) signed her letter of intent on Nov. 8 to continue her track career at Walsh University. She is pictured with her mother, Tia Bookless (left) and father Brian Bookless (right). Josie Sellers | Beacon

WARSAW – Cassidi Bookless has dreamed of being a college athlete. On Nov. 8, while surrounded by family, friends and coaches, she signed her letter of intent to make that happen at Walsh University.

The River View High School senior will continue her track career for the Walsh University Cavalries in North Canton and major in business with a specialization in healthcare administration.

“I really liked the campus and liked the team atmosphere,” Bookless said. “The fact that they had my major also was a big factor. I want to work in a hospital, but be more on the management side of it.”

She added that it’s crazy to think about not being in high school for the next four years of her life, but she’s very thankful for those who helped prepare her for this next step.

“I definitely want to thank my parents, the coaches I’ve had for track and cross country, my teammates and my friends,” Bookless said. “I love all the people here. I don’t want to leave them, but I think the team at Walsh is going to be a lot like we were in high school.”

In addition to making good friends, she also made some great memories while running for the River View Black Bears.

“Breaking the record at the state meet in the 400 would be my favorite memory,” Bookless said. “At college that (the 400) will be my main thing.”

Her parents, Tia and Brian Bookless, and her grandparents, couldn’t have been happier for her at her signing day.

“She’s worked so hard for this from kindergarten all the way up to now,” Brian said. “She’s put a lot of time into taking care of herself, making sure she gets enough sleep and eats right and it’s all paid off for her.”

He added that they like the coaches at Walsh and the area the university is in and Tia said she also likes that it is a Christian-based school. They also are happy that they get to keep watching her run.

“It’s a thrill to watch her run,” Tia said.

Mike Gray, RVHS track coach, said Walsh is getting an awesome athlete.

“She is all you want in a college athlete,” he said. “She will put the time in that is needed to become successful at the college level.”

Her other high school track coach, Cyrus Granger, agreed that Walsh is getting a great person.

“This couldn’t have happened to a better person,” he said. “She’s worked for this. She wanted it and was determined to get it.”

Bookless’ high school cross country coach also came to her signing to support her.

“She is very versatile and is such a strong leader and that plays out in all aspects of her life,” said Gwenna Neal, River View’s cross country coach. “She is definitely a woman of character.”

Category: High School, Sports