Six Pirate Athletes Receive Offers to Play College Football

By GANNON HANEVOLD

Moapa Valley Progress

Moapa Valley High School athletes are known for bringing home trophies and developing pride for the school. The athletic gifts of a few Pirate seniors have even set up opportunities beyond the high school playing field. Six Moapa Valley football players have been offered scholarships by universities across the nation because of their dedication to the sport. Although many have yet to commit, the process has been a thrill for the athletes and their families.

Chase Hoy, who has received seven offers so far, expressed the pride that comes with the college athletic opportunities.

“It’s been a dream to play college football since I was in fourth grade, so just knowing that all the hard work, pain, and struggles have paid off [has been the best part],” said Hoy.

Hoy’s offers include the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and Ottawa University in Kansas. Both schools also extended offers to Hoy’s high school teammates Jessup Lake and Kaleb Frankford. Lake described the dilemma that comes with deciding between certain universities as he considers six offers so far.

“The toughest part has been the number of colleges that have contacted me,” said Lake. “Many are great places with great people and it just makes it harder to choose, but the most important thing is if it is the right fit for you.”

Frankford and Hoy offered words of advice for future Pirates hoping to follow in their footsteps.

“Don’t give up. The recruiting process is hard,” said Frankford, a Nevada First Team All-State Offensive Lineman in 2018. “Coming from a small town makes it ten times harder, but keep grinding, and be the best you can.”

Hoy reminded younger Pirates to not forget the ride along the way. He advised, “Give it your all. Start as young as possible because before you know it, your senior season will be over. It comes quick.”

Seniors Josh Cox and Luke Bennett have also received offers to play at the next level.

While these five Pirates  are still deciding between multiple colleges, senior Derek Reese didn’t hesitate to make his commitment. On February 6, Reese made it official by signing commitment papers to attend Southern Utah University.

“I love Cedar and felt really good about them even before they started recruiting me,” Reese said. The Nevada First Team All-State Tight End plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following his graduation.

Reese advised, “Have fun with the process. Don’t overthink it and just work hard, and good things will happen.”

While preparing for college can be a stressful time for many seniors, finding a passion can help make the process easier. These Moapa Valley athletes are an example of how hard work and dedication can open up a wide door into new opportunities. Only time will tell which Pirates are due to follow in their footsteps.