Three Brownwood Lions signed letters of commitment with colleges of their choice on Wednesday, February 6th, National Signing Day.
Matthew McCrane was the first to sign, in Austin, while playing in the USA verses the World Football Game. McCrane committed to Kansas State earlier in the school year; however made it official at the signing breakfast, being one of 45 players at the largest signing event in the nation this morning. McCrane graduated mid-year and has begun his studies at Kansas State, preparing for his position as kicker in the fall season with KSU.McCrane stated that it was an honor to sign this morning.
“Getting the opportunity to sign with Division I players was amazing,” said McCrane. “Having the opportunity to live the dream has really hit home.”
Two other Lions, Kevin Hobbs and Cody Skains also signed letters of intent with Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas.
Kevin Lewis, WBU’s sports information director confirmed that both signed and will be helping to build the newly reinstated Jackrabbit football team. 2012 marked the first year the school had a football program in over 70 years. According to Lewis, the team has brought excitement to the university. They won a couple of games last year and are looking forward to the future.
“We built this program back to give more kids the opportunity to play,” said Lewis. “Hobbs and Skains are a great addition to the team which was in great need of offensive linemen.”
Kevin Hobbs signed Wednesday afternoon with friends and family present at Brownwood High School. Hobbs will begin studies at Wayland in the fall and plans to major in education with hopes of one day becoming a coach.
Hobbs stated that he had also considered Hardin-Simmons University and Angelo State University, but that WBU overall was most appealing to him. “I’m looking forward to starting a new tradition,” he said with excitement about the newly reinstated WBU team.
Hobbs and his father, Steve Hobbs, stated that he visited WBU this past Friday and were very impressed.
“We were blown away by the school,” said Mr. Hobbs. “He’s going to be taken care of up there.” He stated that he helped coach Hobbs in Texas Youth Football League (TYFL), baseball and soccer and that one important thing he felt he learned was his work ethic in the game.
Monica Hobbs, Kevin’s mother, stated that the family is really excited for him and that this commitment came as a surprise.
“It’s been very exciting to see him as he developed to be so good,” said Ms. Hobbs. “A month or two ago, we didn’t think he would get a scholarship. We are so proud of him.” She explained that Hobbs will receive a $4,000 scholarship per semester which has the possibility of increasing with the program’s growth and her son’s participation.
Brownwood High School head football coach and athletic director Bob Shipley echoed that statement about Hobbs.
“Kevin is as hard a worker as any player I’ve ever had in the job that he has done, the way that he worked he is very deserving of this,” said Shipley. “I’m proud for him and Wayland, they got a great player out of Brownwood.” Shipley thanked Hobbs and his parents for the hours sacrificed and selflessness that Kevin displayed.
Cody Skains was not able to be at the signing at BHS, as he graduated mid-year and moved to Midland where his dad was transferred. Lewis confirmed that Skains did sign a letter of commitment with WBU today as well; details of the signing were unavailable Wednesday afternoon.
Coach Shipley stated that Skains has also worked hard and has now reached a dream he had always had.
“Cody came in after the season in his junior year. He fit in great with the kids and worked really hard and was a leader, his goal was to play college football and to help us along the way,” explained Shipley. “I’m grateful for the opportunity he has been given and for what we (BHS) have been able to contribute to his life in a positive way. It was amazing to see him go to work, not complain and work to succeed. He’s a great role model to kids and an outstanding young man.”
Pictured above are McCrane and his parents Steven and Lori. Below is Hobbs signing with his family.
Pictured above Hobbs signs with support of his family and Coach Shipley.
Hobbs and his proud family.
