It was a misty day here in Portland and there were some misty eyes in the library at Central Catholic as 5 Scholar Athletes from Coach Steve Pyne's Central Catholic Rams signed their official Letters of intent to the Colleges of their choice.
This was a special day and the room was filled with proud parents and loved ones and Family members. Every year we have some very special kids make it through. But this year at this one high school we saw 5 players make it on to play another day and to get their schooling paid for. The Players included:
Antonio Danek, Northern Arizona University; Flagstaff, AZ
Jaden Kaufman, Arizona Western JC; Yuma, AZ.
Joe Martin , University of San Diego; San Diego California.
Kevin Frahm, Oregon State University; Corvallis, Oregon
Myles Wade, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
This was a special group of kids but Coach Pyne indicated that a few more are going to get through or are still waiting to work out their final terms including linebacker Kevin Showalter who was perhaps the sleeper of the year in Oregon. Kevin has a solid offer to play at Western Oregon where the Coaches believe he is the best they have seen this year.
"This was a special group this year," Pyne said. "We hope to get some more kids through to college before it is over!"
Pyne is a very active Head Coach when it comes to networking and believing in his kids' ability to go on to the next level.
The boys were all humble and thankful. Myles Wade thanked his Family, his 8th grade football coaches, coaches from his experiences at Benson Tech, and Pyne and his staff. Wade also spent a considerable amount of time thanking the US Army and all of the men and women serving in our countries armed forces. Wade will be an Oregon Duck even after receiving a very tempting offer from Coach Urban Meyer to play for the Florida Gators!
"It is an honor to be able to stay home and play at home here in Oregon - that's how I feel," stated Wade emphatically bringing a rousing applause from a room full of beaming Oregonians.
Kevin Frahm will also be staying in State and took time to recognize his teachers; Frahm is a 4.0 Student, for working with him and supporting him. Frahm clearly has strong feelings towards his coaches and family. He will be a tremendous asset to the Beavers.
All of the Players recognized their trainers which included a common link to Top Football trainer Matt James at Velocity Sports who worked to train the boys and developed their speed, strength, and agility. This group is one of many James has helped to train and get on to the collegiate level.
I asked these fine athletes for a word of wisdom if they were to give it to an incoming freshman... a roadmap if you will of how they can make it through to college.
Danek offered: "Dedicate yourself to 5 days a week of working out and training. Get involved with strength training. Be willing to go in early and stay late. Take a Zero period in the early AM to get a chance to hit the gym and keep your grades up. Mentally learn the ability to develop yourself. Pick out the player on the field each play you are going to beat and convince yourself you will beat him...than defeat him. Oh and Eat Right!"
Frahm Offered: "Time and hard work can conquer talent any day. Put in the time and emulate what other top athletes do and you will succeed."
Wade Stated: "Play every game like it is your last game! Want to be in on every play...every tackle. Do not be selfish. Support your team no matter what."
We want to congratulate this special group of young men and their families and wish you well in your academic and athletic pursuits in the coming years.
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Dirk Knudsen |
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From left to right: Joe Martin, Kevin Frahm, trainer Matt James, Jaden Kaufman, Myles Wade, Antonio Danek |