WS Chronicle

Signing a letter of intent to play a sport at an institution of higher learning is the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication.  For five Glenn athletes, that dream came true last Thursday, Feb. 8.

There were four football players along with a soccer player that finalized their collegiate commitments that afternoon.  Hykeem Crockett, Bryson Glenn, M.J. Morton, Brooks Stemple and Maya Grimes were the athletes on display.

Family, friends and coaches were all there to congratulate the soon to be college bound athletes.  Crockett will be attending Johnson C. Smith in the fall.  He says he feels blessed to have the opportunity to play.  “I want to help change the program and hopefully win some conference and possibly a national championship while there,” he said.

“We are very proud and first of all we would like to give thanks to God because none of this would be possible if God wasn’t in our lives,” said Paul Brown, father of Hykeem Crockett. 

Crockett’s mother, Willette said, “I am very proud of Hykeem and I expect him to go to college and excel on the next level and I am sure he will make me even more proud.”

Bryson Glenn will be attending Hampton University.  Glenn initially planned on attending North Carolina Central with his brother Qorticha, who also plays football, but chose Hampton late in the signing period because of the “atmosphere and the persistence of the coaching staff.”

“I feel great and it is amazing that God put me in this position by giving me the abilities to do what I can do,” said Bryson.  “Seeing my brother sign his letter of intent now me signing mine is amazing.  I told my mom before she died that I would make her proud and I just hope I am living up to my abilities.”

Sherry Glenn, Bryson’s grandmother said it feels great to have another grandson heading off to college.  She was proud Bryson was able to stay committed to his craft and she will keep him in her prayers.

Qorticha Glenn Sr., Bryson’s father added, “I had tears of joy coming down my face because this is a great thing and I hope he goes there and takes care of business.  I know he will do his best everyday and I am very proud of him.”

“I just hits me because when his mother was going through her sickness she said a lot of this would happen and it is coming to light,” he continued.

Glenn wide receiver M.J. Morton will be taking his talents to Averett University in Danville, Virginia, this fall.  “I just want to thank God and this is really a blessing and having my family there cheering me on.”

“This is a blessing and this is something we have dreamed about since he was five years old,” said Mike Porter, M.J.’s dad.  “We can’t ask for anything else because he is an honor roll student and does everything he is supposed to do and it really paid off.”

Princela Porter, M.J.’s mother said, “This is a blessing to see him grow from playing little league and growing and staying determined.  It has always been books first and athletics second so he knows he will do what he is supposed to do.”

Defensive end Brooks Stemple will be heading right down the road to Greensboro in the fall to play ball for Guilford College.  He says he is excited because of all the hard work that has gone into getting to this position.  He said while at Glenn he learned to never be satisfied and always continue to improve on and off the field.

“Obviously we are very proud because he has worked very hard and there has been a lot of time put in with academics and sports,” said Cecelia Stemple, Brooks mother.”

His dad Joel said, “He has been dedicated to playing football and he doesn’t give up and we are really excited about his future at Guilford College.  We have high hopes for him because the foundation has been set here at Glenn and we know it will get more advanced at Guilford College.”

Bobcat head coach Antwon Stevenson says this is a testament to all of the hard work his former athletes put in on the field.  He says he can’t take any credit for their success and “it brings a good vibe to the school.”  He wants them to take advantage of this opportunity to play at a higher level while also getting a quality education.

Maya Grimes was the lone female athlete signed last week.  She will be playing soccer for UNC-Pembroke next season.  She said the moment was somewhat surreal and all of her hard work has finally paid off.  She feels her hard work and positive energy will allow her to contribute to her team as soon as she hits the field.

Andrea and Chuck Grimes, Maya’s parents said, “She has work extremely hard in her academics and athletics so we are extremely proud.  It is a blessing to see  this come to fruition and now this is all paying off with a good education at UNC-Pembroke.”