Panther football and track standout Demetrius Stinson, aka Superman, signed a track scholarship Friday morning to join the Clayton State University Lakers track team.
Stinson is the second child in his family to sign a track scholarship. His older sister Lakeshia runs for Kennesaw State University.
Both schools are just outside of Atlanta, a perk for Stinson’s parents, Douglas and Lucretia, who say they can now make one trip to watch both athletes compete.
However, it was the academic curriculum at Clayton that Stinson said clinched the deal. He plans to study biology with a pre-medicine track on his way to becoming a neurosurgeon.
"He chose Clayton," his father said. "The first thing he noticed was the curriculum, and the biology department took him in and said, ‘We want a student like you.’ It feels great as a parent to see your child go on to further their education. People recognized his accomplishments and they want to give him an opportunity to further his education"
His mothers said Stinson is a hard worker and is quick to put others before himself. He’s a church youth mentor at Bethel AME Church where pastor Richie Williams said Stinson inspires children.
"He knows that when much is given, much is required," his mother added. "And I think he deserves everything that God has for him."
Panthers assistant track coach Nathan Mims said it was Stinson’s leadership skills and his academics that opened the door to Clayton.
"He has a 3.90 GPA and high SAT scores, so that makes it easy for any college to want to sign someone like Stinson," head track coach Keith McGee added.
LCHS Principal Paula Scott said if every student was like Stinson, she would probably be out of a job.
"I’m just extremely proud of Demetrius and the work that he does," she said. "He’s an awesome student, very strong academically. He participates in sports and all sorts of extracurricular activities and I think he is very deserving of this. He is also a very caring and respectful young man and I think he is going to go far in life."
Stinson said he plans to show his speed at Clayton.
"I’m going to work hard and prove to them that I earned my spot on the team," he said.