And they’re off!

February 23, 2010 • written by Chad Reed  
Filed under Sports, Student Life

A successful 8-6-0 season has paid off exponentially for five of East’s most talented football players.

On Wednesday, February 3, seniors Rockford Stone, Ronnie Bishop, Tony Goodwin, Olen Little, and Devin Moore each signed an NCAA National Letter of Intent, a document which obligates the signee to at least one year of attendance to the designated school.

Stone signed to University of Charleston, West Virginia; Bishop signed to Johnson C. Smith University; Goodwin signed to Wofford College; Little signed to Wingate College; and Moore signed to North Carolina A&T University.

“It’s really exciting,” said Olen Little, who signed to Wingate to play both baseball and football.

The official signing ceremony took place directly after school in the media center.  After penning a signature, each athlete shared a few words with those in attendance.  Although each signing was an emotional experience, Rockford Stone was particularly moved.

“I did alright,” Stone said with a laugh.  “I was just really happy.  I’m from West Virginia and Charleston is close to home for me.”

“We all basically said the same thing,” added Little. “We just wanted to thank our teammates, coaches, and parents.”

Despite the magnitude of their achievements, these young men’s hard work is far from complete.

“You’re going to school to study,” said offensive line coach Eric Oates.  “You have gotten the opportunity to go to school for free, so make the most of it.”

Coach Jason Fowler made one final suggestion to the signees.

“Just keep working hard, and do their best.”