Joplin honored a pair of seniors with a ceremony celebrating the continuation of their athletic careers on Tuesday.
Joplin football player Alex Curry signed his letter of intent to play collegiately at Southeast Missouri State University.
“It feels great,” Curry said. “It’s a blessing. I can’t wait to go play at SEMO. … It’s been a dream forever now. I just can’t wait to play against the best in the league.”
Joplin’s Jonah Hensley inked his name to continue his swimming career for Midway University (Kentucky).
“It made it more ceremonial,” Hensley said about getting the chance to finally sign his letter of intent. “It felt good. It’s the biggest decision of my life. I am excited for the new opportunities that are ahead for me.”
For Curry, a dynamic offensive lineman for the Eagles, signing with Southeast Missouri State was an easy decision once he got a feel for the culture of the program. He also spoke with former Joplin Eagle Colby Cornett, now a wide receiver for the Redhawks, to get a feel for Southeast Missouri State.
“It reminded me a lot Joplin,” he said. “It felt like home. I am ready to do some work. … The goal is to progress and to be the best I can be so I can go play at the next level even. (The coaches) are so welcoming with open arms. They show love. That is what I love the most about them.”
“I’ve talked to him a little bit,” Curry said about speaking with Cornett. “He has hyped me up and has me feeling confident. It makes me feel good about the program to know I have someone (there) who I have talked to a little bit.”
For Hensley, a criminal justice major who was deciding between the University of Wyoming and Midway, it came down to familiarity and what he felt fit best for his collegiate aspirations.
“I have a family friend who is going out there,” Hensley said. “They have a lot of opportunities that I wanted. Overall, they were just the best choice for me.”
For both athletes, attending Joplin High School meant a lot, and it will always be a time in their lives they look back on with fond memories.
“I think the most important things are loyalty and pride for our school,” Hensley said when asked what his biggest takeaway was from his time at Joplin. “We have a great school, great coaches and I just hope to continue the same effort that I had here.”
“It’s been great, and I love the coaches here,” Curry said about his time at Joplin. “It’s been my family for the last four years. I’ve made the best relationships and bonds ever.”
