Four Athletes Sign With Concordia College

Four Franklin County High School graduating seniors have signed letters of intent to play varsity sports at Concordia College, a historically black college in Selma, Alabama.

At a May 15 signing ceremony in the media center of the high school, two coaches from Concordia were on hand for the signing day.

Keith Floyd will be playing football for the Hornets under Coach Shepherd Skanes, while Alvin Wilson has been tapped to play men's basketball. Andrea O'Neal and De'Iara Prince will both play women's basketball.

Seahawks Basketball Coach Fred Drake, who made contacts with Concordia when he was a coach at Carver High School in Columbus, GA, helped to arrange the signings.

"It's based on all being financially aid qualified," said Drake. "They're not going to have to pay anything."

Anthony Rutledge, Concordia's athletic director and head basketball coach, said his expectation for his newest recruit, Wilson, is the same as for all four of the young people.

"First of all, my first concern is to see him walk across the stage with a four-year degree," he said. "It's a great asset. It's all about discipline and getting them ready for the real world.

"And second is to win a national championship," said Rutledge. "This is a rebuilding year. But we're going to be tough. We've recruited some decent athletes and we take pride in the academic side."

Founded in 1922, Concordia is a four-year, coeducational college, owned and operated by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

Prince and O'Neal will be welcomed into a highly regarded women's basketball program. In March, the Lady Hornets repeated as national champions of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, and have 11 returning players.

"Coach Ernest Foster only recruits what he needs," said Rutledge. "These young ladies will have an opportunity to make an impact right away."

Skanes, who played college football as a quarterback at Alcorn State, said the program has had two 2-9 seasons, after winning a conference championship in 2005 during the Hornets' first season of football.

He said he is considering Floyd for defensive tackle, with football camp starting July 27.

Skanes said student-athletes are strongly encouraged to live their Christian faith, including attending chapel three times a week.

Prince and O'Neal both were overjoyed at the prospect of a college career.

"It is my dream to play college basketball and I feel God has answered my prayers," said Prince, who is considering a career in physical therapy.

"I think it's a great opportunity," said O'Neal. "It's been my dream to play sports in college. If it weren't for Coach Drake, we wouldn't be here right now. I'm glad I get this opportunity."