FROM STAFF REPORTS

CALERA— Four of Calera High’s finest athletes inked scholarships April 18, as three senior football players and one senior softball player announced their plans to continue their careers on the collegiate level.

Shelby Clark, Brian Stone, Daillon Kennedy and Garret Reddin signed with the University of Montevallo, Faulkner University and Southern Virginia University, respectively.

Clark, a standout on the diamond for the Eagles, will make up part of the first varsity softball team at Montevallo.

“I want to thank God for all his blessings,” she said. “I want to thank my family for all of their support and especially my Dad for inspiring me to love this game.  I want to thank Coach McCrackin for helping me get better each day.  I can’t wait to be a part of Coach Vanover’s team at Montevallo!”

Reddin, who played linebacker for the Eagles, was quick to thank his coaches and his teammates for their support to get him to the next level.

“Firstly, Praise God for this blessing (and) special thanks to my entire family and team,” he said. “I have always had a dream to play football in college.  At 5’10 and 185 pounds, I’m definitely not a prototype linebacker. I knew it would be tough to make that dream happen.”

Despite a perceived height disadvantage, Reddin said he was thankful for the staff at Calera for helping him in the recruiting process.

“Coach always believed in me and spent hours and hours shopping my tape to schools,” he said. “Without his efforts, this probably doesn’t happen and I’ll never forget it.  I can’t wait to be a part of a great school like Southern Virginia”

Both Stone and Kennedy, stars on the gridiron for Calera, expressed gratitude for the chance to continue their education and playing careers.

“I love my team and school,” Kennedy said. “I want to thank all of my teammates and coaches for pushing me every day.  This chance to go to college and play football for Faulkner means so much to me.  I’m living proof that hard work pays off.”

Stone agreed.

“Everyone knows my family has had a tough time with illness and finances,” he said. “At one point, I thought about quitting and going to work to help, but Coach McKeller helped me find a job that fit around football so I could stay out and play.  He told me I’d have an opportunity to truly change my situation if I worked hard.  He was right. And today, I so happy and grateful.”