Da’Reon Mathis signs with Hardin-Simmons to play football
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CHILDRESS – Childress High School senior Da’Reon Mathis signed his letter of intent to play football for Hardin-Simmons University on National Signing Day, which was Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the CHS gym.
“It’s a dream come true”, Mathis said. “It means a lot. I’ve wanted it for a long time.”
Mathis said he learned from the older Bobcats. “I had great older guys lead me, and I appreciate them,” he said. This includes Collin Bishop and Lamont Nickleberry.
And just like Bishop and Nickleberry, Mathis will play college ball with his teammate Ethan Ferguson. “I’m excited,” he said. “We’ll continue to chase our dreams.”
Ferguson added, “We’ve got a lot more winning to do. We’re not done.”
When I asked Mathis why he chose Hardin-Simmons University, he said, ”It’s a good program, a winning program, and I love their coaches and hospitality.”
Mathis has this message for his Bobcat coaches. “I appreciate them for everything they’ve done for me,” he said. “If It wasn’t for them, I don’t know what I’d do.”
Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Bo Helm opened the signing ceremony, saying it was a fun and exciting day. “We’re coming here to celebrate Da’Reon and his commitment to Hardin-Simmons,” Helm said. “We’re excited for this process as he goes into a new chapter of his life and excited to see what he does from what he’s taken here and then how he grows.”
Helm also recognized the entire varsity team. “We’re proud of you guys,” he said. “It’s a team deal, huge success for him. But you get to share in that with him today, so proud of everybody.”
He wasn’t the only one. “We’re so proud of Darion and everything he’s accomplished,” Craig Sides said.
Jason Lane added, “We’re proud of him. He (Mathis) is usually either at Craig’s house or our house, so he’s become something special.”
Mathis was honored with how the community supported him at the event. “They’ve cheered for me and rooted for me for the last four years,” he said. “We grew together, and they’re family now.”
