HISD recently held its National Signing Day on Feb. 7 at Delmar Stadium. As athletes from across the district came together and announced where they intended to play on the collegiate level, one school stood out from among the crowd, Kashmere High School.
On this day, Kashmere saw seven football signees commit to playing on the collegiate level.
“Our student-athletes believed in the rigorous training that I provided for them and trusted the structure we had. It was times in the summer when it was just me and 10 kids, or just two coaches and maybe 14 kids, not knowing our fate with the NES system. That bond was created and then trickled down to the rest of the team.”
Head coach joshua harris
Last season the Kashmere Rams varsity football team finished middle of the pack in 4A-1 Region III District 11. At the beginning of the season, not many believed the team would do much, but this group of athletes was determined to prove everyone wrong, and show the world their bonds go far beyond the gridiron.
It was about brothers helping brothers and furthering their education once the final high school whistle blew.
“It’s a strong bond; the brotherhood is real love,” said Caleb Benton.
Along with Anthony Cook, Benton signed his letter of intent to play at Trinity Valley Junior College where he plans to study kinesiology.
“Unlike other schools who just emailed, Trinity Valley came to my coach personally and told him what they needed on their offense and he suggested my name. They showed interest and gave me an opportunity,” said Benton.
A true brotherhood
Nathan Crawford signed with Sul Ross State University and he echoed the deep brotherhood connection shared among the team.
“Real brotherhood,” said Crawford. “We’ve been knowing each other since we were little. We shed tears together, a real family, nobody is left out.”
With plans to major in kinesiology and marketing, Crawford expressed it was the community connection at Sul Ross State that sealed the deal for him.
“I like the community and the environment,” said Crawford. “It’s away from home, so I get to experience different things. It has a good culture, and people coming together as one family. Real small town, everybody knows each other in the town.”
The brotherhood bond at Kashmere was built on hard work and dedication.
“Our student-athletes believed in the rigorous training that I provided for them and trusted the structure we had,” said head football coach Joshua Harris. It was times in the summer when it was just me and 10 kids, or just two coaches and maybe 14 kids, not knowing our fate with the NES system. That bond was created and then trickled down to the rest of the team.”
Higher education goals
Kamden Terry signed his letter to Howard Payne University, but his ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian.
“Driving around Wayside Drive I would see many animals in need, and growing up seeing that fueled my desire to want to help animals,” said Terry.
He reflects on words given to him by his little league coach, Coach Fred.
“He told me, ‘You only play as hard as you work, and the amount of determination determines how hard you play.’ “I took that with me and when I had an opportunity to work, I wanted to work on both football and academics,” said Terry.
Michael Smith signed his letter to Henderson State University. It was words of wisdom from his father and grandmother that pushed him to want more in life.
“They encouraged me to expand and do something different from the norm,” said Smith. “My dad was an amazing track athlete for Kashmere High School, but he didn’t make it because of various circumstances in his life, so I wanted to be that one for the family.”
Smith, who also attends Barbara Jordan Career Center, has decided while in college he plans to study business administration as well as work with computers.
Midwestern State doubles up
Kevin Mitchell Jr. and Robert Nash, both signed letters to play at Midwestern State University. Nash who has been playing football since he was five years old, credits the visit from the coach that sealed the deal for him.
“The Midwestern coach called me at 10 a.m. on the weekend and invited me to a restaurant so we could sit and talk about the school and what they had to offer. The next day he had me on an official visit,” said Nash. “It made me feel good because everybody wants to play college football, but not everybody gets the opportunity. So, when I got the opportunity, I had to take it.”
While Nash plans to major in business, Mitchell plans to major in electrical engineering and credits the bond of the team at Midwestern to be similar to that he has experienced while at Kashmere.
“I liked their bond, how they came together as a team,” said Mitchell. “We met some of the players and the feeling was similar to my childhood, friends coming together like brothers.”
“This many signees is exceptional. These seven young men are being allowed to go to a level of higher learning and experience something outside of their neighborhood and community. It will allow them to see the bigger picture because there is a lot more in the world than what they’ve seen so far,” said Coach Harris.
Seeing how far they have come, the seven Kashmere signees encourage the next group of upcoming athletes to listen attentively to their coaches, as their guidance can take them far. They challenge them to embrace moments of quiet reflection to absorb knowledge effectively and to remember that regardless of their current circumstances, to remain focused on their goals and continue to work diligently. While the facilities may not be the most lavish, dedication to improvement remains paramount. Persevere through challenges, stay true to their path, and don’t allow external criticism to derail their progress. Stay committed, keep working hard, and success will follow.
