New Hope High School football coach Michael Bradley experienced another first in his coaching career Wednesday morning.
“Darius, you are the first player I have ever had sign wearing a bow tie,” Bradley said. “This is a big moment for me.”
Wednesday also was a big moment for the Trojans, as Darius Petty, Joseph Reeves, and Daniel Gregory signed scholarships to play football at East Central Community College in Decatur.
“All three of these young men are great kids from great families,” Bradley said. “They have worked extremely hard the last couple of years. They have played a big role in our program having the success that it has had.
“What people don’t know is Darius and JoJo (Reeves) played their way through injuries. Darius got hurt the first game this year and was never 100 percent after that. Joseph played hurt the entire season. Before that, Daniel missed his junior year because of a knee injury.
“To be able work through the adversity and remain consistent is a testament to each player’s character.”
Gregory learned how much football meant to him after missing the 2010 season.
“These three years have been the best three years of my life,” Gregory said. “I learned a lot about hard work. I learned how to overcome obstacles. I know now I will face obstacles later in life. When those times come, I know how to push through the obstacles instead of running away from them.”
While the Trojans struggled through an injury-riddled 2011 campaign to win four games, each of the seniors who signed Wednesday admitted he learned a lot about hard work.
“I learned when you are faced with tough challenges you can overcome these challenges,” Petty said. “Coach Bradley pushes us every day. Some people would want to quit, but we worked hard every day and found a way to get the job done.”
Reeves feels the work ethic and attitude that was instilled in him as a member of the New Hope High football program will help him at the next level.
“This is a great opportunity,” Reeves said. “Since we got hurt in the past, this is like a chance to start all over again. Hopefully, the hard work will continue to pay off and we will have a chance to keep playing football.”
Gregory also feels like this is another great chance and a good one to capitalize on.
“When I was healthy, working out was one of those things I hated to do,” Gregory said. “Then when the game was taken away from me, things changed. I realized I never wanted to be in that situation again. I knew then I was going to work as hard as I could to be the best player I could be.
“I had hoped to play on a higher level, but things did not work out. Instead, this is my chance to really work hard and become a better ballplayer.”
Each player will leave New Hope High with fond memories, including an appearance in the 2009 North State title game.
“Playing football at New Hope was an incredible experience,” Petty said. “I learned a lot about myself and a lot about the game. However, in a way, the hard work is just beginning. I am looking forward to what is next.”
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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