One of the perks in this job is covering athletic scholarshipsigning events. There isn’t a big win or a disappointing loss toquiz a coach or player about, only smiles, hugs and handshakes asfamily and friends celebrate the festive occasion. Mostimportantly, talented athletes obtain the opportunity to furthertheir careers on the athletic and academic fields in college.

A scholarship is the culmination of hard work and dedication toa sport. It works the same way in the classroom when academicscholarships are awarded.

Scholarships don’t happen overnight. It requires countless hoursof dedication to a goal to be a successful student/athlete.Naturally, some athletes are more gifted than others but they allhave to work for it. Some folks call it blood, sweat and tears,plus plenty of encouragement from coaches and parents.

Often, the scholarship photos are taken in the school’s library,also known as a central location for knowledge and study. Walkingthe quiet, pristine hallways of Brookhaven High School Wednesday,the destination was the BHS library. Many folks don’t realize howbeautiful the rows upon rows of books and the computer centercontribute to the facility.

Senior standout Stevie Ann Wright was signing a softballscholarship with the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Lady Wolves.Her parents, Steve and Tracy Wright, along with grandfather TommyHill, were present for the event, plus Co-Lin head softball coachAllen Kent and BHS fastpitch coach Chad Walker.

Kent’s Lady Wolves are 2-time defending state tournamentchampions and he wants to keep the program at a high level ofsuccess. That’s the hard part…staying there.

Co-Lin has a bull’s eye on its back. Beat the Lady Wolves andthat’s an accomplishment worth tooting your horn about. Every gameis a challenge, mentally and physically. No opponent can be takenfor granted.

“Hey, we beat Co-Lin!”

Opponents celebrate the conquest all the way back to their homecampus. The bus ride is much more pleasant.

Kent is re-enforcing his program for next season, a year fromnow. Wright, Ashley McCaffery of West Lincoln and Emily Smith ofLoyd Star are outfielders who have signed with Co-Lin. PitcherBrooke Delaughter and second baseman Carrie Moak of Loyd Star alsohave signed with the Lady Wolves.

Franklin County shortstop Kacey Smith is expected to sign withCo-Lin on Monday. In the meantime, Kent is recruiting the BatonRouge area of Louisiana with intensity, looking for standoutplayers who can fill vacancies next season.

It’s a never-ending routine on the college level. Coach has towin games and recruit, too. That can be an exhausting task.

Two weeks ago, when Alabama defeated Texas for the BCS NationalChampionship, Crimson Tide fans painted Pasadena red as theycelebrated through the night. However, there was no rest forAlabama boss Nick Saban. At the Friday morning media conference,Saban smiled and talked about next year. He was thinking aboutprize recruits and filling vacancies on offense and defense.

Saban visited Co-Lin Monday for a visit with Co-Lin cornerbackDequan Menzie who is considered one of the best defenders in thenation. Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt visited Menzie Tuesday andpaused for lunch at the Cracker Barrel before heading for anotherprize recruit’s home. Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen has toured theCo-Lin field house and Georgia coach Mark Richt also stopped by tosee if Menzie would like to play for his home state’s Bulldogs inAthens.

Menzie (6-0. 185), an NJCAA Second Team All-American, helpedlead Co-Lin to a 6-3 record in 2009. He is on schedule to graduatein May. He’s expected to sign with a senior college Feb. 2.

The parade of SEC head coaches and others has been a talkingpoint on the Co-Lin campus. Some players sought autographs and madecellphone photos.

“It’s been fun for the kids,” said Co-Lin head football coachGlenn Davis. “They’ve enjoyed seeing all these coaches. DQ (Menzie)is a very good player and a lot of schools are recruiting him.”

Menzie is scheduled to visit Alabama this weekend. For sure, hewill receive the red carpet treatment in Tuscaloosa.

On the local scene, Davis and his staff are busy recruitingdistrict players. He wants to sign running back Semmie Smith,offensive tackle Derrick Henderson and defensive lineman CordaiHenderson of Brookhaven.

Two Co-Lin sophomores, center Darrion Smith and linebackerCharles (Bobo) Rancifer have signed with Alabama-Birmingham andToledo respectively. They already are on the respective campuses,preparing for spring practice.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAIILY LEADER, P.O.BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mail sports@dailyleader.com