Ozark High School has sent its fair share of athletes on to college, but the Christian County school never had quite a day like Wednesday, Feb. 6.
The Tigers saw eight football players sign with college teams. It’s the most college signings any OHS team has ever had in a single school year.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF SIGNING DAY
"We're extremely excited for these young men," said Ozark coach Mark Bliss. "Based on what we were able to accomplish team-wise, it's something we've preached since the start of two-a-days - you take care of your team goals, then the individual goals will come automatically. Along with that comes the opportunity to go play some ball somewhere. These young men have been given that opportunity."
Ozark was scheduled to have nine players sign. Hunter Randall, who will play at Avila, was still finalizing paperwork and was unable to partake in the ceremony, Bliss said.
A potential 10th signee, Seth Wheeler, is deciding whether to play football or baseball (or both) at the college level.
Signing for the Tigers on Wednesday were (high school positions listed):
- Cody Lindsay (RB/LB) – Missouri Western
- Cameron Glenn (OL/DL) – Missouri Western
- Austin Roberts (WR/DB) – Northeastern State (Okla.)
- David Salazar (QB/DB) – William Penn (Iowa)
- Levi Tucker (LB) – Southwest Baptist University
- Boomer Gorn (OL/DL) – Lincoln
- Ryne Troy (TE/DL) – Bethany (Kan.)
- Cale Danielson (K) – Benedictine
"When you come in as a new coach, you're not sure how the kids will fit into your scheme and how you like to do things on both sides of the ball," Bliss said. "We knew about the first week of camp last year where these kids would fit and what their niche would be. They've stepped up and done some great things for us."
Tucker is staying closest to the area, playing about 50 miles north of Ozark at SBU. The Bearcats recently hired a new coach in Craig Schuler.
Tucker said he first talked with Schuler on the phone before meeting him and the SBU coaching staff. Tucker will play middle linebacker in SBU’s 4-2-5 scheme.
"I want to make the travel squad," Tucker said. "If I can start right away, then great. They're expectation is to win a national championship, and that's mine as well. My first year, I just want to go in and do the best I can, whether it's making the travel squad or being a starter."
Ozark went 13-2 overall last fall, losing to Fort Osage in the Class 5 semifinals.
"To basically have half of your senior class sign a football scholarship speaks volumes," Bliss said.
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