Jefferson bowler Thompson, softball player Smith sign with colleges

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Two student-athletes at Rockford Jefferson High School used National Signing Day Wednesday to sign with their college choices. Bowler Tyler Thompson signed with local bowling powerhouse Rock Valley College. RVC has won the NJCAA National Championship the last three years. Senior softball player Viola Smith, a shortstop, signed with Eastern Illinois University. She is the first softball player from Jefferson in more than 40 years to sign with a Division I program. Last spring as a junior, Smith had a .595 batting average with eight home runs, 12 doubles and 22 RBIs. She also was 18-for-18 in stolen bases. To hear from both athletes, watch the media player above.