Three Spartan athletes decide their fate
By ELI TRIPPI
SNN Staff Writer
High school football players around the country got their chance to shine Wednesday on National Signing Day. Hundreds to thousands of football players all around the country gathered with friends and family to announce which college they will go to.
Three Lakewood football players – Damond Hughley, Jimmy Faulks and Lamontez Pritchett - were part of that group.
Hughley, a defensive lineman for the Spartans, signed to attend Mesa Community College in Arizona.
“(It will be) just something new going to Arizona. I’m ready for a new experience,” Hughley said.
He was joined by his father and fellow Spartan teammates. Although it might be hard to travel very far for college, Hughley thinks he is ready.
“They send a lot of kids to four-year programs and the coaches are willing to help,” Hughley said.
Wide receiver Jimmy Faulks chose to attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
“I want to thank God, mom and dad and my teammates for being very supportive people in my life,” Faulks said.
Head coach Cory Moore described Faulks as shy coming into the Lakewood program.
“He’s done a great job for us this year,” Moore said.
Cornerback Lamontez Pritchett signed to attend New Mexico Military Institute to play football for the Broncos. Pritchett was in attendance with his parents and teammates and was ecstatic when he announced the news.
“It feels great; it’s going to be a great fit for me at the school. I got a great bond with the coach so I feel like I’m going to do great up there,” Pritchett said.
Pritchett, who excels on and off the field, gave credit to his coach for guiding him through his high school career.
“Coach Moore has taught me great sportsmanship. He taught me how to be a better man and just taught me a lot in life and about the game of football,” he said.
The entire scholarship process can be nerve wracking. Every game during the season is crucial for the players to show scouts that they are just right for their university, but the decision isn’t always as easy as it looks. Players research for hours every week to make sure that’s where they want to play football.
This signing day was one the players will never forget. The cheerleaders and marching band made a very exciting environment for the players and the families.
“These three young men are three awesome young men,” Moore said.