Good character, diligent academic work and athletic prowess are exemplified in many Blackhawk athletes. Three were recognized Thursday morning when they signed letters of intent to play ball at college. A fourth student athlete signed her letter on Monday morning to play softball at college.
Athletic director Kevin Ramey said the excellence of the athletes is directly attributed to their team mates, coaches and families who invested many hours into them.
Chandler Tidwell
Chandler Tidwell committed to play golf at College of the Ozarks. Tidwell, 18, is the son of Brian and Jennifer Tidwell. Formerly a three-sport athlete, Tidwell focused on golf throughout high school, according to coach Heath Neal, who said Tidwell was a true leader.
Tidwell earned 4A-1 All-Conference honors twice and was a seven-time medalist during his junior and senior seasons. He also came in third at the district tournament to help the Blackhawks to a runner-up finish this past fall.
"He's an outstanding kid," Neal said, adding that Tidwell was named All-Conference in 2015, earned the high school MVP award in 2015, was seven-time medalist in both 2015 and 2016, was third place finisher in the District Tournament and was named All-Conference in 2016. "He helped the team qualify for state this past year and had the low score of the year."
"I just want to say how blessed I am to be able to pursue this course, academically and athletically, and am thankful to all my family and friends for all they've done to support me," Chandler said. "I thank God for all He's blessed me with ... I'm thankful for the opportunities I've been given."
Britton Caudill
Britton Caudill, 18, is the son of Brandi Caudill and Braxton and Lanie Caudill.
"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to play at the next level," Britton said. "It's been my dream."
Caudill inks with Pitt State.
Pea Ridge's Britton Caudill signed a football scholarship with Pittsburg (Kan.) State last week, but didn't celebrate with a ceremony until Thursday.
Caudill helped the Blackhawks finish with a 13-2 record and reach the Class 4A state championship for the first time in school history. A two-way starter, Caudill caught 13 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns as a tight end and also finished with 94 tackles as a defensive back.
Head football coach Stephen Neal said he was proud of Britton and was sorry he had only known him for one year.
"The reason these three young men and their families are here today, it's not just about everything they did on the field, but what they did off the field -- what they did in life, academics, personality and social... there's no better example."
Neal said he didn't so much "coach" Caudill as he developed a relationship with him and praised his good qualities that had impressed Neal's children, too.
"Britton will excel. He has drive and determination," Neal said. "I've never seen him ... being a hot dog ... drawing attention to himself. His attention was always on the team mates."
"Well done!" Neal concluded.
Cole Wright
Cole Wright, the son of Brian and Katie Wright, said: "I've always wanted to play college baseball. It's great to be going to Crowder to fulfill that dream. I couldn't have done it without the support of family and friends."
"What a great day! What an exciting day to be a Blackhawk," head baseball coach John E. King said, as he began the introduction for Wright. King said he had coached all three boys who were signing for college athletics and said that all three were excellent young men who were raised well by their families and were shaped by the generations. "The parents get praise for their sons being excellent young men."
Pea Ridge left-handed pitcher Cole Wright won't travel too far from home after signing with Crowder College in Neosho, Mo., to pitch for the Roughriders.
"I've always wanted to play college baseball," Wright said "It's great to be going to Crowder to fulfill that dream. I couldn't have done it without the support of family and friends."
Wright, who plans to study sports medicine or physical therapy, earned 4A All-State honors and was voted Most Valuable Player of last season's team, which finished 17-2 and won the 4A-1 Conference regular season and tournament titles.
"This may be the best one we've sent yet," King said, referring to two former Blackhawk baseball players who went to college and then to professional baseball. "I expect great things out of Cole, too."
"Cole is an exceptional kid and he's a good example for the younger kids to look up to as an athlete, the top 10 percent of his class academically and his ACT scores," King said.
Kieara Bryant
Kieara Bryant, the daughter of Shannon Bryant, signed a letter of intent to play softball at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kan.
Fulfilling a life-long dream, Bryant was ecstatic about the opportunity to play softball at college.
"I've been training for this my whole life," she said, adding that she began playing softball at 4 years of age. "I'm very thankful! I can't believe my dream finally came true. I'm grateful for my mom supporting me and coaching me."
Kieara was Most Valuable Player for the Lady Blackhawks and earned All-conference in 2015, honorable mention 2016 and Junior Showcase All Star game 2016, according to coach Josh Reynolds.
Sports on 02/15/2017