Nick Lees and Corey Fago sat in anticipation at Nansemond River High School on May 5 as a crowd of people stood around waiting.

Kristy Brett, the director of student activities for Nansemond River High School, quieted the crowd as Lees and Fago began to sign their commitments to play baseball for Chowan University.

Lees and Fago will head to Chowan in the fall on partial athletic scholarships.

Lees, an infielder, and Fago, an outfielder, were overjoyed at the experience.

“It’s cool, this makes it official and it’s nice that I get to go with my best friend,” Fago said.

Nick Lees shared the same sentiment.

“It’s a lot less scary having someone there you know,” he said.

Warriors head coach Mark Stuffel was ecstatic to see his players sign to a university, saying that they both worked hard and are great kids.

“This is a good group of seniors, and all of them contribute in their own way to bring the team together,” Stuffel said.

Lees had four other offers and Fago had two, but both of them decided Chowan, located in Murfreesboro, N.C., was the best choice.

John Lees, Nick’s father, thinks Chowan is a perfect fit for Nick, while Corey’s father Dale Fago, said it was a great Christian school for his son to attend.

Lees said seeing his son play made for great family time. He recalled a moment when Nick was going out for the team.

“When Nick wanted to try out for the baseball team, there had to have been at least 70 kids vying for those few spots, and Nick was the one selected,” Mr. Lees said. “It made him realize that he had to work harder because so many people wanted what he had earned.”

Fago said some of the traits his son has learned off the field has greatly influenced his achievements on.

“I’m very proud of Corey, I coached him up until he was 12 years old,” Fago said. “His persistence and consistency have helped to make him the player he is today.”

Lees plans to major in pre-law, while Fago is still undecided.