Photo Provided Wheeling Park’s Caylin Angel signs to play volleyball at Washington & Jefferson. She is joined by mother Sarah Angel, left, and father Adam Angel, right. Standing, left to right, are assistant coach Mick Schehl, Park volleyabll coach Samantha Gentle, brothers Coy Angel and Adam Angel IV and sister Kason Angel.

WHEELING — The Performing Arts Center at Wheeling Park High School was filled with joy on Friday as two Patriots signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Caylin Angel of the Park volleyball team signed to play for Washington & Jefferson after a standout career for the Patriots, while Nate Shelek chose to join his brother Andrew Shelek at West Liberty for wrestling.

Angel played varsity volleyball since her sophomore season, she was awarded the OVAC All-Academic Award for the 2018-19 campaign and was named captain of the varsity team as a senior.

“It’s like a family here,” Angel said. “It’s like a little community we have and everyone is always there for each other.”

Her family, which is filled with athletes and a love of sports, has been there every step of the way to support her dreams of playing at the next level.

“It’s been everything to have a family that just understands and gets it,” Angel said. “It really means a lot to me to have their support.”

Angel entered the year uncertain of where she would spend her college years but the moment she spoke with Washington & Jefferson volleyball coach Lindsey Llewellyn, she knew it was the right place for her.

“I didn’t know much about the school until this year,” Angel said. “When I talked to their coach, I fell in love with her and how they run things. I went for a tour and I just loved the campus. It was absolutely beautiful. I really feel like I can succeed there.”

Speaking of success, Shelek has enjoyed plenty of it during his four years at Park.

Photo Provided
Wheeling Park’s Nate Shelek signs with West Liberty Wrestling while joined by his mother Anita Shelek, left, and father Todd Shelek, right. Standing, left to right, are brother Andrew Shelek, Park wrestling coach Brian Leggett, assistant coach Dan Doyle and sister Kailee Shelek.

He became the first freshman from Park to win a state wrestling title on his way to two state crowns. He was also a four-time state placer, a four-time OVAC Tournament placer and a 2022 OVAC Champion. He finished his wrestling career with an overall record of 113-21. Not only did he excel on the mat, but he was an all-state safety on the football field, as well.

“Park has been my life,” Shelek said. “Everyone who came here to support my signing, they’ve been here all four years. It’s a family and I love everyone here. In the future, I’ll be coming back here just to support these guys and this school.”

His brother Andrew wrestled at Park and is on the current team at West Liberty, giving Nate another reason to take his talents to the hilltop.

“The West Liberty program is awesome and their coaches are awesome,” Nate said. “My brother is up there wrestling right now so I’ll finally get back to joining him so hopefully we’ll have some fun up there.”