As Searcy seniors, Micah Tipton, Korance Higgins, Kendal Hollowel, and Desmond Gavin signed their letters of intent to play college sports, they’re looking forward to this next chapter in life.

“Signing today was actually really relieving because I had a lot of colleges calling me, and they were kind of pressuring me, but I already had an idea of where I wanted to go the whole time because me and Korance really wanted to room together. On top of that, we get to go there for free, so I signed with SAU, Southern Arkansas University. I feel relieved about it,” said senior Desmond Gavin.

Some of the players explained what they will miss most about competing at a high school level.


“The fans, because you get to see them at school, and the people that you grew up with in Pewee football. Now we’re going somewhere else and playing with different people,” said senior Karonce Higgins.

Although they are going to miss playing with their high school team, it’s evident that with hard work and education, these athletes can achieve anything.

“It is going to be hard to lose those two [Micah and Kendall]. In Searcy, we have always had people step up and move on up to the top, and we seem to do okay. We are going to miss them, but I wish them all the luck in the world,” said soccer coach Larry Stamps.

For one athlete, football wasn’t always his dream sport, but a new coach and a tough work ethic turned that around.


“Playing football was never what I had in mind growing up. I used to play basketball and in seventh grade, I didn’t make the team, so I joined the football team. I never really got to play that much. I didn’t quit. I just kept working harder every day, and my tenth grade year I got to start on the varsity squad. I’ve been doing my thing ever since then,” said Gavin.