On this eventful day, the entire cafeteria was filled with fellow students, friends, coaches, and family members as three seniors: Chase Caple, Jonothan Powell, and  Dezmond Stegall, made permanent commitments to play college football for the upcoming season.

Each to his own school of choice, three tables were arranged with the colors and insignias of the schools.  Stegall would be starting for Arkansas State University in Jonesboro;  Powell would play for the Ouachita Tigers, and Caple would play for the UCA Bears.

The room was filled with smiling faces and many ranging emotions.

Bystander and close friends to each of these boys, Christyn Simmons, was surprised at the emotion of the day.

“It’s just so strange and surreal to be thinking about college,”  “I know we only have a few months left as seniors, but it’s still hard for me to grasp that we’ll be moving our separate ways in less than a year.”

Simmons said. “I’ve known each of them since middle school–I’m so happy that they’ve grown up so much, and become so successful.”

Caple said he is excited to play next year at UCA.
“I’m very excited to play in the upcoming season,” Caple said.  “I’ve worked so hard, and so have the rest of these guys.  We’re all really glad everything is settled and done–things should all be downhill from here.”

The football team showed much support for their graduating teammates, and their coaches boasted with satisfaction and pride.

At the end, cake and Gatorade was served for all who came–it was a very special day for three very special young men.