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Senior football players participate in February signing day
GLANCING BACK Caleb Nix, senior, reflects on his past experiences in the purple pit as he looks forward to continuing his football career.
Written by Thomas Garmon, Managing Editor
As Caleb Nix, senior, begins his last semester of high school, anticipation grows within him as he visualizes playing football at the next level. To Nix, being a student-athlete means pushing himself to reach goals like continuing his career past high school.
“Playing college football has always been a dream I have had,” Nix said. “It was just a matter of performing on the field and in the classroom so I could achieve it.”
Matthew Fligg, athletic director, feels that not just anyone can receive a scholarship, but instead, a level of determination must be present within the athlete. “Most athletes here still do not understand what it takes to become a college athlete,” Fligg said. “You cannot take a week off of weightlifting, you cannot take a day off from studying and you surely cannot be inconsistent with your productivity.”
Aside from Nix, Dee Gooseby, senior, has narrowed his choices down and will also be signing on Feb. 3. “Lenior-Rhyne is the main school I am looking at,” Gooseby said. “Depending on how my visit goes will determine my final decision.”
Looking up to his brother as a role model and mentor, playing college football was a goal instilled in Gooseby at a young age. “My brother Brandon played football at Newberry College, while managing to graduate at the top of his class,” he said. “This is something that I plan to accomplish as well.”
Having coached and taught students that sustain the opportunity to be a collegiate athlete, Fligg understands the level of commitment that is involved in the process. “It starts from the day you walk in the doors until you graduate,” Fligg said. “Being a student-athlete in college is only for the winners in high school.”
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