Four athletes from Red River Parish signed scholarships during 2017. The first was reported in the March 8th edition of The Journal.
Family, coaches and friends packed he Red River High School Library Friday to witness Greg Wallace signing on with Louisiana College. Wallace said he chose LC “because it feels like home.”
Wallace is anxious to get on the field at Louisiana College. “I am looking to bring pressure in the middle of the defense as an inside linebacker” said Wallace.
Before the signing took place there was a lunch and a huge cake declaring “Congratulations Greg”. Afterward there were media interviews and more congrats from fellow teammates and coaches.
Wallace’s head coach, Reginald Prelow described him as “a good ballplayer, outstanding young man of good character who works hard on the field and in the classroom.” Wallace says of Prelow “I learned how to be disciplined. Coach stayed on me, reminding me that you have to work hard to go anywhere.”
On Friday, April 28th Dezmond Bryant made history. He is the first athlete signed to a track scholarship from Red River Parish. Bryant was surrounded by parents, teammates, friends and coaches at a celebration held in the Red River High School Library.
Bryant signed with Western Texas College located at Snyder, Texas. He will be a member of their track team and he proudly wore a school shirt during the event.
The signing took place with Track Coach Billy Henry, Jr. at his side. Bryant graciously signed again and again with family members, with friends, with School Superintendent Alison Hughes and other officials, and with many well-wishers.
A huge cake congratulating the senior was prepared, as were sandwiches and snacks served by students of the school Pro Start program.
The Journal spoke with Bryant about the signing. He said, “I am just humbled. I thank God for everything.” Bryant added, “I want to keep my mind focused and I hope to add other first place finishes at the state track meet.” Bryant will compete in the 400 meter, 200 meter and 4-by-200 events at the state track meet scheduled Friday May 5th in Baton Rouge.
Superintendent Alison Hughes remarked, “If you ever see Dez run it’s beautiful. We had to bring in another table to hold all the medals he won at Red River High. We’re looking forward to him winning many more.”
Track Coach Billy Henry, Jr. said, “Dez is the first to get a traditional scholarship in track from Red River Parish. No one has more state titles than Bryant.”
Bryant’s very proud father, Terrell Brown told the Journal “I’m very proud of him. He always has a good attitude in everything he does.
Then in the May 17th edition The Journal reported on a Riverdale Academy senior who signed with Centenary to play softball.
Surrounded by Mom, Dad and her coach, and backed up by members of the Riverdale Academy Softball Team, Jaylee Riggs signed on to play ball for Centenary College in Shreveport. Riggs said, “I got my number one choice.”
Riverdale Principal Jamie Lawrence said, “I believe Riggs is the first Riverdale student to ever sign a college scholarship to play softball. Her team supports her and we do to.”
Riggs described her emotional state as “nervous but excited to play softball for Centenary. I’m ready to play.” She said she will major in biology and then go to physical therapy school after graduation.
Her coach, Debbie Guidry said, “I am proud for the opportunity to coach Jaylee. How proud we are of her. We wish her the best. Go show Centenary all the good things she can do with a bat.”
In Late July, family, friends, coaches and school officials looked on and cheered for Lakeya Lewis. She signed to play basketball for the Pratt Community College Beavers of Pratt, Kansas. The signing ceremony took place in the school library.
Lewis has an infectious smile and it was on display as she spoke with the Journal. She said, “The coach at Pratt told me I was fast enough and a good shooter. After I work hard he would recommend me to a four year college. And perhaps someday to the WNBA.” Lewis added, “The advice he had was for me to be dedicated and work hard and put in the number of hours it takes to build up my skills.”
Lewis’ coach Missy Antilley said, “I think she will be picked up by a D-1 school next year.” Lewis has been considering several schools this spring and summer. “She made a very good decision (to go to Pratt)” added Antilley.
