Two Coffee County Central High School athletes signed National Letters of Intent(NLI) on Wednesday to continue their athletic careers at a pair of NCAA colleges. February 3rd is the first day that high school seniors in the sports of football and soccer can sign the binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an NCAA Division 1 or Division 2 program.
Zane Slater signs his National Letter of Intent to play college football for Tusculum College on Wednesday as his parents and coaches look on. Front row(left to right) Chris Slater, father; Zane; Amy Slater, mother. Back row(left to right) CHS football coaches Derek Jones, George Pearson, Richard Crabtree, Brandon McWhorter, Matt Mueller and Kyle Kriz
On Wednesday morning, Zane Slater signed his NLI with Tusculum College in Greenville, Tennessee. The Pioneers of Tusculum compete in Division 2 of the NCAA as a member of the South Atlantic Conference. Jerry Odum is the head coach for Tusculum after being named to that position in December. “The previous staff extended an offer to me and the new coach reconfirmed Tusculum’s commitment to me” said Slater. Slater went on to say, “He has assembled a young and energetic staff and the players are energized which was a big selling point.” Slater, who played center, guard and tackle in his high school career, expects to compete at the center position next season. “This is a new (coaching) staff up there and I know I can work hard and get a fair shot(at a starting job)” Zane is the son of Chris and Amy Slater.
Izzy Huddleston signs her National Letter of Intent to play college soccer for the University of Alabama-Huntsville on Wednesday as her parents and coaches look on. Front row(left to right) Nancy Huddleston, mother; Izzy; Ken Huddleston, father. Back row(left to right) Camp Forrest coach Patrick Lazarus; Coffee County head coach David Amado; strength & conditioning coach Jeff Brandon; CHS assistant coaches Lee Xixis and Kandy Shemwell and Coffee County Middle School coach Travis O’Kelley
On Wednesday afternoon, Isabella(Izzy) Huddleston signed to play soccer at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. The Chargers of UAH compete in Division 2 of the NCAA as a member of the Gulf South Conference. Jimmy Mitchell just completed his 4th season as the head coach for the Chargers. Izzy developed a good connection with Coach Mitchell during the recruiting process and along with the close proximity to home and her love for the school made the decision an easy one. “I felt a good connection to (Coach Mitchell) from the very beginning and the team is really a close kit group” said Izzy moments before her signing. Huddleston, who played as a midfielder this past season, expects to play as a defensive midfielder or middle back at the collegiate level. “But really, I will play wherever they put me” added Huddleston. Her high school coach, David Amado had glowing praise for Huddleston’s work ethic and determination. When asked what would make her a success at the college level he had a quick answer: “Her heart! They may recruit more talented kids, but they will not sign a kid that works as hard as Izzy. She played through injuries throughout her career and was a natural leader for us due to her tremendous work ethic” said Amado. Izzy is the daughter of Ken and Nancy Huddleston
