Three Brownwood Lions are some of many high school athletes across the nation committing to colleges of their choice, receiving scholarships and making that step to the next level of their athletic careers.
Seniors Kevin Vacarro, Stehl Ratliff and Ethan Horton and their families joined the Brownwood High School coaching staff for the occasion.
“It’s a great tribute to the kids and their families to get to this level and a great tribute to their teammates who helped them get there, along with their coaches,” said BHS Athletic Director and Head Coach Bob Shipley. “It’s a boost for our program for the kids to see this level of success and that hard work does pay off. It’s fun to be a part of this success.”
Kevin Vacarro committed to the University of Texas in Austin and will join his brother Kenny and Jaxon Shipley, both recent graduates of Brownwood High School.
“Three University of Texas guys that used to wear Brownwood Lions uniforms will be playing next year,” said Shipley. “It’s very unusual to have two sets of brothers that have come from one town play for a college like UT.”
Kevin Vacarro has traveled with the Shipleys to many UT games, even to California. Shipley said, “Its fun for us to be able to share this experience with the Vacarros.” Shipley explained that both of these younger brothers got to UT on their own athletic skills.
“I can assure you that UT many times has confirmed that it is so competitive at this level, they don’t give away scholarships just for human interest stories. These guys have earned it on their own merits.”
Vacarro thanked his parents and coaches for their commitment.
“I’m thankful for my mom making me practice. I want to thank the coaches and my parents for sacrificing everything for me to be here,” said Vacarro. “This has always been my dream. My brother and I are really excited because this never happens. I’ll get to play with him for at least one year.”
Vacarro’s mother Alesia stated that she was proud but that she knew he would get a scholarship.
“As a mom, you know what’s going on, you get to talk with the coaches and he had a perfect camp,” said Mrs. Vacarro. “His height was the only thing, and he is about 5’9 ½” and will still grow more. NFL corners are 5’10 and he’s close. My brother played for the Redskins and he is 5’10”.
Stehl Ratliff committed to McMurry University in Abilene. He stated that he’s excited to play with athletes from across the Big Country that he has faced in high school football. McMurry will move to Division 2 this year and he is proud to be a part of this history.
“Going to Division 2 is unbelievable, a dream come true,” said Ratliff. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of something up and coming. McMurry is going to be a good home for me and I won’t be changing (team) colors.”
Ratliff’s parents stated that McMurray being a Christian school was a big part of Stehl’s decision.
“It’s been sweet and it’s getting sweeter,” said his mother Janet regarding Stehl’s decision. “We’re glad he’s staying maroon and that he’ll be close to home.”
Ethan Horton committed to Tarleton State University in Stephenville. Tarleton is a Division 2 school and close to home which was a part of Horton’s decision.
“I feel like Tarelton is about to be on the up rise. They only graduated 10 last year and have many returning players and it’ll be good. I’m going to work hard to get on the field this year,” said Horton. “None of this would have been possible without the coaches. Coach Shipley and all of the coaches have been great.”
Horton also thanked his parents who expressed their excitement for him.
“We’re very proud and excited for him, with his hard work over the years, it’s the realization of his dreams,” said his mother Kim Horton.
Coach Shipley explained that recruiting starts early these days and many sophomores and juniors are being studied by Division 1 schools even at this early stage.
“Big 12 schools are looking at our juniors and sophomores, Division 1 offers will be determined by their junior year. Recruiting happens so early; late bloomers don’t get opportunities sometimes. It’s a race to see who can offer first and it’s unfortunate for those late bloomers,” said Shipley. “Division 1 coaches know this is a good place to find kids.”
Many schools made offers to these three athletes according to Shipley.
“It’s a tribute to those guys to have choices. They feel good about their prospective coaches and that’s a big part of their decisions,” said Shipley. “It’s always good for the younger kids to see older ones signing, gives them a mental picture to see, encourages them to work hard and set goals, to live out their dreams.”
Pictured above are (left to right): Ethan Horton, Coach Bob Shipley, Kevin Vacarro, and Stehl Ratliff.
More photos of the signing are below.
Pictured above are (left to right): Kim Horton, Danny Horton, Ethan Horton, Alesia Vacarro, Kevin Vacarro, Janet Ratliff, Stehl Rathliff, and Bryce Ratliff.
Pictured are (left to right): Vacarro, Coach Shipley, Ratliff, and Horton.
