Seven Graves County Seniors Sign College Commitments

KENTUCKY – Seven seniors from Graves County High School made their future evident, February 4, 2015, by signing their NLI (National Letter of Intent). February 4th marks the first day that high school seniors could sign scholarship papers for the following sports: Football, Men and Women’s Soccer, Water polo (Mens’ only), and more. The letter of intent is a binding agreement between the student-athlete and a college, by which the student-athlete agrees to attend the college for one academic year.

Alyssa Barnard, will be looking to continue her academic career at Bethel University, and her athletic career playing Basketball. She recently eclipsed the 1,000 point mark in her basketball career and will be asked to play the 3 or 4 position at the next level. Lady Eagles coach Aaron Beth said of her, “Alyssa is one of the most athletic kids in the region and a hard worker, both on and off the court. When she puts it all together, her best basketball may be ahead of her.” She is the daughter of Ron and Michelle Barnard. Bethel head coach Chris Nelson was on hand for the signing.

Cody Crider, will be looking to continue his academic career at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and his athletic career playing Football. The running back/linebacker was a Kentucky Mr. Football finalist. Crider holds almost every rushing record at GCHS while running for over 2,500 yards and leading the state in both rushing and touchdowns. “Cody is one of the most well rounded young men that I’ve ever coached,” Gregory said. “He has a tremendous work ethic, is a great leader, and an even better person. SIU is getting a fine young man that will be a great addition to not only the football program but the university as well.” Crider is the son of Brandy Crider of Melber.

Dillon Day, will be looking to continue his academic career at, Campbellsville University and his athletic career playing Football. Day anchored the offensive line for the Eagles this year as center. “Dillon is one of the most fundamentally sound and intelligent players that I’ve ever coached,” Gregory said. “He was a great leader in practice, on the game field, and in the school building. His commitment to hard work and dedication to being the best he can be will serve him well at Campbellsville next season.” Day is the son of Todd and Renae Day of Hickory.

Heath Wiggins, will be looking to continue his academic career at, Western Kentucky University and his athletic career playing Football. Coach Lance Gregory said, “Heath is an incredible leader that leads by example. He works hard and is a great young man of character. He’s a great football player but an even better person. WKU is getting a young man with a high motor that plays with great intensity.” Wiggins will be a second generation Hilltopper, as his dad also played at WKU. Heath is the son of John and Pam Wiggins of Mayfield.

Josh Carter, will be looking to continue his academic career at, Murray State University and his athletic career playing Football. Coach Gregory said, “Josh is great young man with an incredible amount of heart. He has struggled through injury and continued to work hard to be one of the best linebackers to play at Graves County. His determination to be the best person, student, and athlete he can be will ensure his success at Murray State next year.” Carter has been offered a preferred walk-on at MSU. He is the son of Charles and Joann Carter of Mayfield.

Hector Garcia, will be looking to continue his academic career at, Western Kentucky University and his athletic career playing Football. Garcia has accepted a preferred walk-on position at WKU and will join teammate Heath Wiggins in Bowling Green. “Hector is one of, if not the best kicker to ever come through Graves County,” Gregory said. “His consistency and ability to perform under pressure has been a huge asset for us the past few seasons. Hector will be a great addition to the WKU Topper football program and the university as a whole. “ Garcia is the son of Hector and Ana Garcia of Sedalia.

Joey Marshall, will be looking to continue his academic career at, Campbellsville University and his athletic career playing Football. Like his teammate Dillon Day, Joey Marshall has chosen Campbellsville University to play his college football. Coach Gregory said, “Joey is a great student-athlete. He works hard every day and that is a result of his strong moral character. One of the fastest players to ever play at Graves County, he will be a great addition to the Tiger Football program at Campbellsville.” He is the son of Robert and Pamela Marshall of Mayfield.

Congratulations to the athletes on advancing your academic and athletic careers at the next level. All of us at DigitalSports wish you luck!