Throughout the years, Daniel Hartman, Cole Fosbrink and Evan Baurle have spent countless hours together on soccer fields across Indiana.

The three grew up together through a common interest: A sport that each of them loved unconditionally.

While the Seymour High School seniors’ time together on the pitch came to a close this past fall, the trio was able to celebrate their careers together one last time Wednesday.

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The chance for a sectional title had closed, but new doors with bigger opportunities opened.

Hartman signed to play at University of Southern Indiana, Fosbrink inked to Indiana University East and Baurle committed to Anderson University during a college signing ceremony.

“Collectively, this is one of the most productive senior classes we’ve ever had,” Owls coach Matt Dennis said. “You look at the successes we’ve had and wins we’ve had in the conference, it’s kind of remarkable to think about. Collectively, they did a lot of work that hadn’t been done before and will be tough to replicate.”

The Owls had 11 seniors on the 2018-19 team, a group that finished with 48 varsity wins. It is the second-most wins for a senior group in school history.

Seymour’s varsity went 12-4, including 7-0 in Hoosier Hills Conference play. It was the first time the Owls went undefeated in conference competition and was the program’s seventh HHC title since 1990. The Owls’ senior group also won a share of the conference title in 2016.

The Owls scored a school-record 72 goals in the season and also set a record for goals in a game with 14 against both Brown County and Shawe Memorial.

Baurle, Fosbrink and Hartman were all named All-Hoosier Hills Conference for their efforts in their final seasons.

Hartman also set the school record for goals in a career, scoring 66 over his four years.

“We’ve been together for such a long time,” Hartman said. “It feels amazing to be signing with two of my high school teammates. We’ve done so many amazing things together.”

On top of the soccer skills, all of the colleges are getting young men who take pride in their academics.

All three of the college signees were presented Indiana Soccer Coaches Association All-Academic State Team awards.

“Each one of these colleges is getting a hard worker,” Dennis said. “They are all tireless in their preparation. They’re leaders on the field and demand as much from themselves as they do their teammates.”

Hartman, a forward who plans on studying exercise science, was a two-time All-State selection.

USI, located in Evansville, is an NCAA Division II school that plays in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Screaming Eagles went 13-4-1 last year, including 11-1-1 in conference play.

“It really came down to UIndy, Marian or USI,” Hartman said. “The trip down there was phenomenal. It really felt natural. I met the coaches and players, and they were all great guys. I’m just really excited to play there. I’m going to have to keep working harder. I need to go to the field every day and lift and run every day. It takes hard work.”

Fosbrink was an intricate part of the Owls’ defense during his time with the program, serving as an outside back. When he played for his club teams, he would play on the wing.

The Owls gave up just 24 goals in 16 games. They had six shutouts and gave up one goal or fewer in 12 contests.

IU East, located in Richmond, is an NAIA school that plays in the River States Conference. The Red Wolves went 10-10 (5-4 RSC) in 2018.

“It was the people, coaches and staff,” Fosbrink said of his decision. “They were all amazing. They were all easy to talk to. The campus is beautiful. I know last year, they finished fourth or fifth in the conference. That’s our goal. We also face the No. 1 team in the country. I want to try and play coming straight in. It’s going to be a lot of work but totally worth it.”

Fosbrink plans on majoring in finance at IU East.

While Baurle was a regular starter for the Owls, he oftentimes served as the team’s utility man.

Dennis said he played Baurle at almost every position but goalkeeper over the past four years.

Baurle played center back in his freshman and sophomore years, both right and left back his junior year and primarily as a defensive midfielder this past fall.

Anderson University is an NCAA Division III program in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Ravens went 6-10-2 last year, including 3-5-1 in HCAC competition.

“I felt really welcomed there,” Baurle said.”I really enjoyed the professors and teachers. I went to a camp there in the fall of last year and played with some of the college guys there. It’s a smaller program, which is something I was looking for. They are losing a lot of seniors this year. I want to come in and try and fill a position. I’m going to be working over the summer really hard.

“It has been great (at Seymour). I’ve really enjoyed the past four years with the soccer team and coaches. I have been playing with some of them as long as I can remember.”

Baurle said he plans on majoring in biology and hopes to go into the medical field.

Dennis said he’s proud of the three for continuing their academic and athletic careers.

“I think it’s tremendous. They’re a great example for the kids that are coming in,” he said. “In our history, we’ve sporadically had kids go off and play in college. Some would play all four years, and others would do one. I think there are a lot of guys that look up to these three, and I think that will spurt them on to try and do great things. We’ve always had players that were great that may have chosen college more on academics instead of soccer. I think these three are able to do both.”