KENMORE — St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute is proud to introduce three members of the Class of 2017 who are the first student-athletes to announce their college athletic intentions this year.

Ryan Chmiel will continue his cross country and track career as a member of the St. Bonaventure team. As a runner on the St. Joe's cross country team, Chmiel and his teammates won consecutive All-Catholic Championships. Ryan qualified for the New York Federation Meet both his junior and senior years, and competed in the Foot Locker Regionals senior year. As a member of the St. Joe's track team, he placed in multiple events at the All-Catholic Championship, including a first place finish in the 4x800 meter. He plans to major in Business.

Zachery Deakin will join the College of Saint Rose men's lacrosse team next year. Deakin and his St. Joe's varsity teammates captured the first ever Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association Championship last season against rival Canisius. As a junior, Deakin earned a spot on the first team All-Catholic. He plans to study Accounting.

Jacob Mertz has committed to continue his golf career at Gannon University. The St. Joe's team captain was named Most Valuable Player both his junior and senior years. His 39.0 nine-hole average helped secure an undefeated varsity season and Monsignor Martin Championship in 2016. Mertz qualified for back-to-back appearances in the Private High School State Tournament, finishing eighth as a junior. This year's championship is set for the spring of 2017.