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Four Overland seniors take leap towards college

Contributed by: Julius Vaughns/YourHub.com on 2/7/2007

You don't have to tell Overland High School seniors Jared Campbell, Justin Cooper, Marquis Cox and Jordan Oyler the importance of going to college; they are way ahead of the game.

The four soon-to-be former Trailblazers signed athletic letters of intent Feb. 7 during a small ceremony at Overland, 12400 E. Jewell Ave. Campbell, Cooper and Cox all signed on to play football while Oyler will be swinging the bat on the college softball field.

Adams State College had enough pizzazz to corral Cox and Oyler.

"They had my major (communications) and I wanted to stay close to home," Cox said, who plans to play at running back. He also admitted that due to the remote location of the school in Alamosa, he should be able to stay out of trouble and solely concentrate on football and academics.

Oyler, who plans to major in accounting, also said that she wanted to stay in Colorado.

"Over Fall Break, I wanted to visit four schools; Adams State was my first one," she said.

Oyler said after talking to the coach, they wanted to give her a try out right then. After trying out, they offered her a scholarship on the spot and she accepted, negating her other planned visits to other schools, such as Chadron State College in Nebraska and Friends University in Kansas.

Cooper will venture to Kansas in the fall to attend Washburn University.

"The (football) program attracted me," Copper said, who plans on majoring in business communications. "I liked the atmosphere and I could see myself living there for four to five years."

Unlike his cohorts who will stay close to the Rocky Mountain region, Campbell is preparing to become a University of Miami Hurricane. "The U," as it's commonly referred to, was an easy choice for Campbell, whose brother, Calais, is a defensive end for the Hurricanes now.

"I like the program. It's a good university and they're always national contenders (for the Division I-A national championship)," Campbell said, who has not yet decided on a major.

Several coaches, parents and school administrators were on-hand to share this experience with these players, including Michael Cox, Marquis' father.

"I'm excited that he has an opportunity to further his education," he said. "Football is the vehicle. He's done a great job because he struggled early on with academics, but he's really turned the corner."

"These are kids that set goals and to see them fulfill them is great," head football coach Tony Manfredi said. "Academics and family have driven these kids and once you step into that next level, it's an elite crowd."

Head softball coach Jack Sampson felt that same.

"It's a major accomplishment for any player, especially going from being a freshmen to a senior knowing you've done your job," he said.


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Julius Vaughns has posted 829 stories and 80 comments since joining on 8/22/2006. Julius Vaughns's average story rating is 4.88.
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