Congratulations to our four outstanding senior athletes who committed to play collegiate sports at the D1 or D2 level! On Wednesday, 2/5/25, we gathered for the National Signing Day celebration to honor our students’ incredible achievements and bright futures ahead. To view additional photos: CLICK HERE
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Derrion Battle – Gannon University (D2) – Football
Today, we celebrate Derrion Battle, who is taking his talents to Gannon University to compete at the Division II level in football on a full scholarship. Derrion has made his mark on the Aquinas football program, leaving behind an impressive legacy. His achievements include:
- Section V Champion and Championship Game Most Outstanding Player
- Two-time First Team AA All-Star Running Back
- First Team All-Greater Rochester Running Back
- All-State Team Running Back
- Named a Sports Illustrated Top 10 Returning Running Back in New York
- Led AA in rushing yards, finishing second among all big schools
- Two-time Team Offensive MVP
- Career-high 262 rushing yards in a single game (2023)
- Rochester First Athlete of the Week (2023)
- Nominated over 10 times for D&C Player of the Week
- Back-to-back 1,000+ yard rushing seasons
- Rated the No. 4 Running Back in New York State
- Five-star Primetime Player of the Week
- 2,700 rushing yards over two years at Aquinas
Off the field, Derrion is equally accomplished in both the classroom and within the community. He maintains an 85% GPA, is a proud Urban League Black Scholar, and was honored with the Bob Johnson Character Scholarship Award. Additionally, he dedicates time to mentoring young students at local recreation centers, helping them with homework and offering guidance.
Derrion’s dedication, work ethic, and leadership will no doubt serve him well as he takes the next step in his academic and athletic journey at Gannon University. We can’t wait to see him continue his success at the next level!
Joshua Ernst Jr. – Gannon University (D2) – Football
Next, we recognize Joshua “JR” Ernst who has also committed to Gannon University to play Division II football. JR is a dynamic force on the field, known for his speed, agility, and determination. A natural standout, he has made a significant impact at Aquinas:
- Four-year varsity player, starting 31 games
- As a freshman, he was pulled up to Varsity for special teams and made an immediate impact, delivering a hard-hitting tackle on his first play
- During his junior year, Coach Jackson helped provide Joshua with valuable exposure, and as a result, Joshua received the first of his four offers, ultimately committing to Gannon University
- On defense, he caused 105 tackles in his career, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles
- On offense, he had 8 total catches and 108 yards with 2 touchdowns, and his longest touchdown of 37 yards
- During his senior year, he started all 14 games, helping to lead the team to the NYS Semi-Finals, had 49 tackles and 9 pass breakups, and made a key play with a 63-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Section V Championship Game
Off the field, JR is known for his kindness, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his teammates, friends, and family. His parents, Joshua Sr. and Michellye, have been instrumental in his success, instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance.
His father, who played football, taught JR the fundamentals of the game, helping him develop into the player he is today. While his mother served as both a mentor and source of unwavering support, reminding him that he could achieve anything he set his mind to.
As JR takes this exciting next step in his academic and athletic career at Gannon University, we are incredibly proud and eager to see all that he will accomplish—both on and off the field.
Dallis Jones – Niagara University (D1) – Track & Field
We proudly celebrate Dallis Jones, who has committed to Niagara University on a Track & Field scholarship competing at the Division I level. Throughout her time at Aquinas, Dallis has excelled both academically and athletically, embodying the values of hard work, leadership, and community service.
In the classroom, Dallis is a member of the Principal’s Club, Honor Roll, and the Urban League of Rochester NY Black Scholars Program. She is also a Student Intern, Student Ambassador, and an active member of the Black Student Union, dedicating her time to uplifting and supporting the school community. Her commitment to service extends beyond Aquinas, as she consistently seeks ways to make a positive impact.
On the track, Dallis has competed at the local, state, and national levels while leading her team as captain. Her impressive achievements include:
- Section V Class B1 Champion in the 100m & 200m
- 6th Place in the NYS Championships (100m, Division 2)
- New Balance Nationals Qualifier (2023)
- Primetime 585 Athlete of the Week
- Most Improved Player (2022)
- Most Valuable Player (2023 & 2024)
- Team Captain
Dallis expresses her heartfelt gratitude to her coaches, teammates, family, and supporters who have guided her throughout her journey. As she takes the next step in her academic and athletic career, we know she will continue to soar as a Purple Eagle at Niagara University!
Tyler Klawon – Roberts Wesleyan University (D2) – Cross Country & Track & Field
Last but not least, Tyler Klawon has proven himself to be an outstanding multi-sport athlete, excelling in Cross Country and Track & Field while also competing in Varsity Basketball his junior and senior years. Tyler has committed to running Cross Country and Track & Field at Roberts Wesleyan University at the Division II level.
Tyler’s athletic accomplishments include:
Cross Country:
- Newcomer of the Year (2024)
- McQuaid Invitational: 63rd out of 410 runners (17:30, 3-mile)
- PPL Championships Runner-Up (5K)
- All-League Team (PPL 2024)
- AGR Honorable Mention (2024)
- Scholar-Athlete Team Award
- Athlete of the Week (MVP) – Cross Country Season
Indoor & Outdoor Track:
- Rookie of the Year (Outdoor Track 2024)
- PPL Championships Runner-Up (800m, 4x800m relay)
- State Qualifier (800m – 2:09) in first-ever season
- RWTL Indoor Track Championships Runner-Up (1000m, 4x400m relay – 2025)
Tyler has demonstrated excellence both on the track and in the classroom, earning recognition as an Honor Roll student and a proud member of the St. Thomas Club for maintaining a 95+ GPA in the first quarter. His passion, dedication, and perseverance have been the driving forces behind his success, both academically and athletically.
As Tyler embarks on the next chapter of his journey at Roberts Wesleyan University, he looks forward to competing at the collegiate level and embracing this new opportunity. We are excited to see all he will accomplish!
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Congratulations to all of our incredible student-athletes! Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication have brought you to this moment, and we are honored to celebrate your achievements today. The Aquinas family will be cheering you on every step of the way!
To view additional photos: CLICK HERE