Eight Enid football players signed a consent form at Enid High’s gym on Wednesday.
Eight players have won scholarships since 1963.
It was the beginning of a new journey and an opportunity to reflect on the past four years.
A freshman in former coach Rashuan Woods’ first season in 2019, the class endured a 0-10 season, COVID, a one-win season, and more, culminating in a 6-6 season in 2022, where Plains has been since. Mann’s first playoff win. 2006.
“It doesn’t feel real at all,” said OSU-signed wide receiver Tiki Andrews. “It is certainly an eye-opener to be able to take this new step in life.”
On Wednesday, Andrews had his mother, who passed away in December 2016, on his mind.
“I think of her all the time, especially when I stand up and speak,” he said. Thank you for keeping me on the path to where I am today.”
Defensive back Devin Gaines was also one of three players signed with the Southern Nazarene who lost his mother at the age of 16.
She has been fueling him ever since.
“It was really hard. I lost my mother when I was 16. It’s hard. A 16-year-old shouldn’t have to go through that,” he said. “It was tough mentally and physically. I woke up late at night wondering if I was proud of her. When I signed her autograph, she looked up at the sky and said she was me.” I felt proud of
Gaines was next to her photo at his table after signing.
Gaines joins offensive lineman Evan Sullivan and defensive back Marcus Tommy on SNU.
“It will be fun,” he said. “We could build friendships and relationships there, too.”
“It’s going to be great,” Sullivan said of attending school with two fellow Plainsmen. “We all try to stay together and continue our careers.”
Eric Lewis Jr. is one of two players going to the Air Force Academy alongside running back Luke Lau.
“It’s pretty cool,” Lewis said. “It will be hard, but together we will be able to adapt.”
“It’s going to be great,” Lau said of being able to go to school with Lewis. “These people are my family. We’ve been together for six years and it’s great to continue with him.”
Kicker Daniel Real has already signed up for NEO
Was it worth it?
Of all the advanced classes had to endure, one question stood out the most. “Was it worth it?”
“Looking back, it was definitely worth it,” said Andrews. “It was a tough moment, but looking back now, it all paid off and considering there was something ahead, it was all worth it and I would do it again if I could.”
“It was worth it,” Gaines said. “It was worth more. The road was closed, but it was certainly a dream. I didn’t know football was where it would really take me.”
“It was absolutely worth it,” said Omar Penate, a defensive tackle who attends Dodge City Community College. “All the work we put in was worth it. Just living our dreams was worth it.”
“It was worth it,” said Sullivan. “It was an honor to be here.
“It was worth it,” Lewis said. “I told all the coaches to agree. Not many agreed, but the 2023 and 2022 classes together put us on top.”
“It was 100% worth it,” Lau said. “The feeling after winning the first playoff game made it all worth it.”
