Sports scholarships awarded to athletes

Students compete on college-level teams across Texas

Senior+Omar+Bailey+shows+his+school+spirit+after+signing+his+letter+of+intent+with+West+Texas+A%26M+University.+On+the+far+left+is+Football+Coach+Humberto+Garza+and+Bailey%E2%80%99s+mom.+On+the+far+right+is+Interm+Principal+Brandi+Hosack+and+Bailey%E2%80%99s+brother.

Isiah Strange

Senior Omar Bailey shows his school spirit after signing his letter of intent with West Texas A&M University. On the far left is Football Coach Humberto Garza and Bailey’s mom. On the far right is Interm Principal Brandi Hosack and Bailey’s brother.

Katrina Stewart, Staff Reporter

Several graduating seniors achieved the dream of high school athletes across the country this year: achieving a scholarship to play at the college level.

Athletes from football, basketball, and track have all earned financial support to compete at universities across the state. They have achieved their goals and will now be playing the sport they love at the college level when they head to college in August.

Mariah Stewart, proved herself on the track this year breaking 11 school records and earning a full ride to Texas Southern University.

Stewart was the district champ in the 400 meters and the 800 meters dash in April. She advanced in UIL competition and participated in the girls 800 meter run at the Class 6A, Region II track & field meet in Waco in early May.

“It was a dream of mine. I would always look at the times I needed to be at in order for me to grab their attention.” Stewart said “After receiving offers from other Division 1 schools like UTSA and Grambling State, I knew I had what it takes to go D1. I was excited when I found out. I visited the college and loved the campus and the energy.”

Three players from the Lady Eagles Varsity basketball team have received scholarships to attend and play basketball for community colleges across Texas.

Each Lady Eagle proved themselves in and out of the court this year and it shows they’ll now be playing their hearts out at the college level.

Chynna Rivera, a shooting guard and point guard, received a scholarship to continue her basketball career at Weatherford College in Weatherford, Texas.

Mckenzie Lunkin hustled on and off of the court all year playing both as power forward and small forward trying to make her hoop dreams come true. Her work paid off, allowing her to attend and play ball for Temple College.

Samaria Richardson, who played the power forward and center for the Lady Eagles, has signed with Coastal Bend College in Beeville, Texas. She said she is looking forward to making the transition from an Eagle to a Cougar.

Football player Omar Bailey hustled on the gridiron and the classroom this year. His prowess earned him a scholarship to play football for West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.

Bailey, who has played football since he was 4 years old, said his dream has always stayed the same.

“Once I got to high school I realized it was getting serious and that I had to make myself stand out and to make a name for myself,” Bailey said. “I had it set in my mind that I will play at the college level, ever since I was little I would see ESPN players. I always wanted that to be me.”