Signing day

Wednesday was a big day for college athletics.

Wednesday, Feb. 1, was signing day for several top tier athletes across the country. These athletes announced what college they would be attending in the 2
Hannibal was not left out of the festivities as a signing event took place in the Hannibal High School library on Wednesday. Three Pirates signed on to continue their athletic careers after high school.

Connor Brown signed on with Truman State, Logan Hicks signed on with Central Methodist University, and Jacob Crenshaw signed with the University of Central Missouri.

Hannibal High School football and track Head Coach Mark St Clair said he was happy to see his kids move on.

“It’s a neat deal any time you have athletes moving on to not only continue their athletic career, but also continue their education at the collegiate level,” St Clair said. “All three of them picked schools that fit their needs and we are excited that they are going to participate in extra-curricular activities.”

The coach added, “With Jake, he’s been an all-state champion for us and a champion in track. Connor has been a great leader for us in football for his career and
Truman is a great school for him. They recruited him at tight end and that’s what he wanted to do at the college level, and of course they will provide a great education for him. Logan is one of those players who can play any position. We used him a lot of different ways and Central Methodist saw that as a big drawing card for recruiting him. They came in and did a great job talking to him and it’s a great fit for Logan to go to Central Methodist. They have great facilities and they did a great job recruiting him.”

St Clair said each of these athletes has left a mark on Hannibal.

“Every one of them has their own legacy,” the coach said. “We can tell stories about each one of them and bottom line is, they have been good leaders and these kids have done what they are supposed to, and now they are reaping the benefits and that is what athletics and the educational system is supposed to be about: kids who work hard and do the right things. Now they will be able to continue their educational and athletic careers at the collegiate level.”

Brown is coming off of a season that saw him gain 416 total yards on the offensive end and record 27 tackles defensively with four fumble recoveries.

He also was named to third-team on the All-State roster as a tight end.

Brown signed with Truman State, who signed 19 athletes on signing day and its football team is coming off of a 4-7 record.

The future Truman State student said he was glad to finally put ink on the dotted line.

“This is a great time. I can’t put into words how exciting this is,” Brown said. “It’s a feeling of knowing that you’re going to continue your career at a school and I am really looking forward to the next step by now.”

Brown said the highlights from his career are more on a personal level than from an on-the-field accomplishment level.

“Big catches and runs don’t come close to the things I’ll never forget,” Brown said. “That’s the friends I made here and will have for the rest of my life.”

The senior said he wants athletes that will be continuing their athletic career at Hannibal to do one thing: embrace the moment.

“I hope they work hard because the coaches will tell us every day and every year how fast it goes, and that this is the best time of your life.” Brown said. “When you’re younger you don’t think it’s true, but it is. I hope they keep working hard and have successful careers and really show that the Hannibal Pirates are a team that is one of the better in the state.”

Hicks signed on with Central Methodist University.

Central Methodist signed 39 other athletes to its football team on Thursday and is coming off of a season that saw the team finish 5-5.

Hicks was a versatile player and in his final year at Hannibal he accumulated 2,041 total yards of offense with 1,140 of those yards coming on the ground. He was placed on the third-team All-State roster as a kickoff and punt returner.

Hicks said he was glad to come to a decision.

“It’s a lot of stress relieved,” Hicks said. “Finding a college is very difficult and stressing at times but I am glad I found one I feel comfortable with. I went to visit them a few weeks ago and that’s when I fell in love with it. The way they do stuff there and operate, it’s a good program.”

Hicks said one of the highlights of his high school career came from an electric performance on Friday, Oct. 21, as part of senior night when he scored six touchdowns, which tied a school record.

He also mentioned capturing the district championship.

For Hicks, moving on will mean missing the standards Hannibal has.

“There’s a lot of tradition here, that’s what I’ll miss the most,” Hicks said. “They have a great opportunity with the new playoff system they have. They have to keep working hard and improving every day.”

Crenshaw joins the University of Central Missouri to throw shot, discus and hammer.

The future mule won the state title for discus throwers in his junior season and was named to the All-State roster.

Crenshaw said he was happy to sign.

“It felt good, it’s been a long time coming,” Crenshaw said. “It’s been a lot of work and it feels great to finally get here and prepare to head off for college. I hope to do better in work ethic and I hope to become conference champ, move on to nationals and hopefully be an All-American someday.”

Crenshaw said the highlight of his high school career was winning the state title in discus.

He said that he would miss Hannibal, but gave some advice to his fellow athletes.

“Of course, I’ll miss it. It’s where I started throwing,” Crenshaw said. “Work your hardest, do your best and never give up. Stay determined and be the best.”

While all three students will be moving on to different colleges, each one shared one thing in common: nervousness.

“I woke up this morning and didn’t think too much of it,” Hicks said. “As it got closer to two o’clock I started to shake a little and start sweating. So yeah, I was a little nervous.”