Four Liberty County High School student athletes signed letters of intent Monday to play college football at Butts College in northern California and Hutchinson Community College in central Kansas.
Jason Hill, Cleon Hamilton and Russell Dandy will be playing for the Butts College Roadrunners while Traveon Freeman will play for the Hutchinson Blue Dragons.
Liberty football coach Kirk Warner said, “Not only do I want them to succeed on the field, I want them to be good, outstanding men … taking care of home.”
Based on their goals, Warner’s hopes for his former Panther standouts could come true.
Freeman, a defensive end and outside linebacker, was 2016 and 2017 region defensive player of the year.
“This is a great opportunity for me to better myself as an athlete and pursue a degree in sports management.”
Hutchinson is about 45 minutes from Wichita.
Hill, also a defensive lineman and outside linebacker, was first team all-region with 33 individual tackles seven tackles for loss and three sacks. He said he is looking forward to taking education to the next level and earning a degree in sports medicine or sports management.
Dandy, a cornerback with 450 return yards, three TDs, 32 tackles two interceptions, was second team all-region.
“I am looking forward to the competition at the next level and getting my body and mind ready,” he said.
Dandy plans to study for a degree in biology and hopes to play D1 football.
Hamilton, a defensive back, had 49 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, three defensive TDs, four receptions, 171 yards and two TDs. He also has high ambition, saying he hopes to eventually own an NFL team.
“I would like to thank all of the LCHS teachers for all the lessons you have taught me and continuing to push me to be my best,” he said.
LCHS Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Warnella Wilder said, “These students have been in our program all four years, they have made major contributions and it has been a pleasure watching them grow as young men. We are very happy for them and their families. We have had lots of help from these parents.”
Warner said, “These students are successful because of their work ethic on and off the field. I know they are going to succeed and I cannot wait to see them play.”