LUTZ – With a crowd of nearly 100 people watching, Steinbrenner seniors Zack Jones and Zack Boryla signed their names to join Stetson University in the fall.

“It feels great, I can’t wait, it’s going to be a great experience and we’re going to have a lot of fun,” said the defensive lineman Boryla. ”

Both Jones and Boryla will have an opportunity to build a program from scratch, as the Hatters are re-entering the football world after a 56 year hiatus, something both did in 2009 with the Warriors.

“It’s going to be great to build up a new program just from start, because everyone gets a fresh start,” said Boryla.

Jones added, “It just feels good knowing all of the hard work I’ve put into it is finally paying off.”

This marks the second time in Steinbrenner history that members of its football program signed to play at the next level as both Tobi Antigha and Alex Bombino did in 2011. Both players say they’re grateful to keep the tradition moving forward, but they’ll miss the Friday night atmosphere.

“Just seeing the team grow from being 0-6 that first year to 7-3 and a winning season, it was great,” said Jones.

Also joining them, was school record holder and senior Cici Gonzalez from the girls soccer team. Gonzalez tallied 91 goals in her high school career and won Steinbrenner its first state championship last year. She signed with the University of Tampa.

Follow Jeff Odom on Twitter @JeffOLutzNews for North Hillsborough County prep sports news and more