Parents, friends, coaches, local television stations and the like crowded into a tiny conference room Feb. 7 at Columbine High School to help mark the next momentous step in the lives of three Columbine student-athletes.

With a few congratulatory words from Principal Frank DeAngelis, Ed Woytek, Columbine High School athletic director, gave the final go ahead. Without hesitation, CJ Gillman, Ryan Miller and Christine DeLashmutt, all seniors, signed letters of intent to play their respective sport at their selected colleges.

CJ Gillman will play baseball for Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C., Ryan Miller signed to the University of Colorado for football and Christine Delashmutt will play soccer for Long Island University in N.Y.

"This gives us [Columbine High School] a lot of pride that we have kids who are willing to work so hard," said Woytek.

Woytek said recruiters do ask to speak with either him or the coaches about the athletes during the recruitment process. "They ask us for grades and transcripts. They also ask us to give our opinion on the athlete's character on and off the field. We give them our personal impression of the athletes," said Woytek.

Miller was one of the most sought after recruits in the country for football, ranked at No. 23, according to Rivals.com. He ultimately decided on the University of Colorado after receiving calls from such big-name schools like Notre Dame.

"I've wanted to go to the University of Colorado since I was a little kid. It's my dream school," said Miller.

Miller admitted the paper he signed this morning was his "second copy." "It feels good to have it over with. Hopefully my phone won't be ringing a lot anymore," said Miller.

Miller said his mom, Daylyn, has been his manager throughout the recruiting process. "She did an amazing job," he said.

Daylyn also was basking in the excitement of the day. "I'm so proud of him," she said. "This is just one more big step on the road. It's been fun to watch him grow from little league to this. It's so exciting to see where he'll go."

Gillman, a two-sport athlete, played football and baseball for Columbine, but has decided to spend his collegiate years playing baseball. According to Woytek, Gillman has racked up the honors over the years. He earned First Team All Conference honors in football, First Team all State in football and named to All Colorado inthe Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post.

Gillman also made a key interception in a football state championship.

"As aquarter back, he helped lead our team to a state championship win over Mullen 13-10 at Invesco Field at Mile High. He also was named the Columbine Courier Student/Athlete of the Year for the South Jeffco Area," said Woytek.

For baseball, he received First Team All Conference honors as a catcher, First Team All State and All Colorado honors in the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post for baseball last spring. He scored the winning run in the state championship baseball game last spring against Mountain Vista.

"I've been playing baseball for 13 years. I grew up with it and it's what I love to do in life," Gillman said.

Gillman said he looked at Arizona, Nebraska and Texas. He visited UCLA and decided it just didn't feel right.

According to Gillman's dad and head coach of the Columbine baseball team, Chuck Gillman, when they went to visit Coastal Carolina University, Gillman got excited. "As soon as we stepped onto the baseball field, he said, 'Dad, this is where I want to play'," Chuck said.

Gillman said he expects the pace of the game to get faster in college. "This is a great opportunity to be playing at such a high level. Hopefully I'll get drafted after that [college]," he said.

Mari Gillman, Gillman's mom, said signing day marks a fulfillment of a lifelong dream for her son. "I'm really excited for him. Not many kids who go to college get to play a sport ... It will be such a different experience," said Mari.

Like Gillman, DeLashmutt has been playing her sport, soccer, for most of her life. "I've been playing since I was 4," she said.

Her parents and coaches have all been an inspiration to her, but she said her biggest influences have been her two older brothers. "They know how to push me and what to push me at," said DeLashmutt. "They used to beat me up when I was little, but now they are very supportive."

DeLashmutt knew she wanted to go further away from home for college. "I went out to New York and loved it - the school and the state," she said.

She believes the level of competition also will be stepped up at the college level. "There will be more bruteness to the game, it will be more physical," said DeLashmutt.

DeLashmutt's dad, Jim DeLashmutt is proud of his daughter. "I'm proud of what she's accomplished both physically and academically," Jim said. "New York should be exciting."

Although the recruits are looking forward to college, each admitted they will probably miss some aspects of high school.

"I'll miss being around knuckleheads like CJ [Gillman]," Miller said with a chuckle. "You create bonds."

"I'll miss playing with my buddies," said Gillman. "I'll also miss playing all the other sports. "

DeLashmutt said she would miss some of her teachers. "I'll also miss hanging out at friends houses. I won't be able to do that in New York," she said.