NEW LENOX – When athletes have been sidelined by injuries, finally reaching their goal of playing at the next level helps make the accomplishment even more special.

That’s how Providence Catholic senior football players Mariano Sori-Marin and De’Shon Gavin view the good fortune they were able to enjoy with family and friends Wednesday in a special signing ceremony at their school.

Sori-Marin, a linebacker, signed to continue his education and career at the University of Minnesota, and Gavin, a running back, did the same thing at Western Illinois University. After both played major roles in helping the Celtics reach the Class 6A semifinals, they’re ready to see what they can achieve at the Division I level.

Getting the opportunity to play in the Big Ten for coach P.J. Fleck’s Golden Gophers is a dream come true for Sori-Marin.

“Since I was a little boy, I always dreamed of playing Big Ten or Division I football,” Sori-Marin said. “I decided to come to Providence since I felt that it would be a great opportunity to play big-time high school football. I’ve met great guys along the way that have helped me. I’ve struggled through some injuries and a little adversity, but all of my teammates were always there for me and we’ve worked together, and I’ll remember these guys forever.

“Providence has the best coaching staff in the state and they’ve prepared me well for the next level. And the Chicago Catholic League Blue is one of the best divisions in the country, so I feel that I’ve played top-end football, so I’ll be very experienced and ready to go. Coach (P.J.) Fleck is a really enthusiastic guy and he’s looking to build young men on and off the football field, and I plan on having a great career there.”

Gavin, The Herald-News Offensive Player of the Year, is excited about joining coach Charlie Fisher’s Leathernecks, who reached the FCS playoffs.

“I just feel blessed,” Gavin said. “I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity that he gave me and the talent and hard work. And I want to thank all of my friends and family since my family has been so supportive of me, and helped me through all of the adversity in my life. My junior year was supposed to be a big year, but I got hurt and I had great teammates who had the same experience and helped me along, especially my good friend, Mariano. We’re both battle-tested and did the thing together, and it’s good to see that we both came out on top.

“I’ve worked hard for this opportunity and will continue to work hard for it, and try to excel at it since just being a Division I athlete is not good enough for me. I want to be the best, and also get a degree. Western is rooted in tradition, just like Providence. They have an amazing football team, and hopefully I can help the program. When I went there, it was a home atmosphere and I enjoyed being out there.”