Braylon Mitchell fulfilled a dream many can only imagine by signing to play football for the University of Arkansas in front of Heber Springs’ student body, his coaches, his family, his friends and a statewide media audience gathered Wednesday morning at the Panther Den.
Making the day even more special for Heber, Hannah Hargis signed to play softball at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri and Ryan Palenske inked to play football at Harding University in Searcy.
But first, the huge crowd enjoyed a talk from former Razorback All-American Corliss Williamson, who is Mitchell’s first cousins. Williamson stressed academics to the kids. “Once the ball stops bouncing, you must have something else to fall back on,” said Williamson. “Whether you quit playing in junior high, high school, college or even professionally like myself, sports comes to an end.”
For these three Heber star athletes, the ball will keep bouncing for at least four or five more years, depending on their college path, which is a testament to Heber’s athletic programs. “There is not a bigger honor as a football coach to send a kid to school and have it paid for through the game of football,” said Heber football coach and Athletic Director Steve Janski. “Me being a Razorback and going to that school…I know what Braylon is getting ready to experience. There are very few kids in this state and around the country that have the opportunity to walk out with a Razorback on their helmet and playing in front of 80,000 people. It’s such a huge honor to make it to the college level like Hannah is doing with softball and Ryan in football.
“He (Ryan) can do a lot of different things for Harding University,” said Janski. “The reason he got a scholarship to go to Harding University was not just because he has performed well on the field but he is such a great kid. I told their coaches they will not get a better kid and coaches really want to know about that. They want to know if the kid is going to go the extra mile and if they are going to do right off the field. Without a doubt, that was the deciding factor in Ryan being able to play college football.”
Mitchell, who seemed eager to get the moment out of the way, held the Razorback helmet high after singing his national letter-of-intent. “It’s awesome, it’s awesome,” exclaimed Mitchell shortly after the ceremony. “I’ve worked so hard along with my coaches and teammates to get here and it’s just a blessing come true. It’s a blessing to be able to put Heber Springs on the map and I’m looking forward to all the people coming out to the games and supporting me in everything I do. Coach Janski has had my back in everything I do in life, on and off the field. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this point and I don’t take anything for granted. I feel honored to get a scholarship from the University of Arkansas…my home state.”
Mitchell is the first Heber player to sign with the Razorbacks since Joe Paul Daves in 1964.
Palenske, who earned All-State recognition along with Mitchell while playing both sides of the line this season, is also set to represent Heber in the state All-Star game on June 25 at Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville along with his star running back. Mitchell and Palenske will both play for the East squad.
Palenske feels blessed to be able to take his skills to the next level. “It’s going to be a real big deal for me to be able to go down there and represent Heber Springs. Coach [Janski] had been pulling for me all along to go to Harding. I just want to thank the people from Heber for supporting me the last three years and I look forward to seeing some of those same people pulling for me at Harding.
“Harding has a good Christian atmosphere, which is the type of place I need to be and it also has good academics.” Palenske said the Bisons’ coaching staff is looking for him to play either offensive tackle or defensive end.
Hargis, who still has one season of high school softball ahead of her, said she is delighted to make the collegiate ranks. “It means a lot. I am so proud because I have worked so hard for everything. Heber has always backed me up and I will always remember where I started. I really hope to win a state championship this year, that is my goal before leaving,” said Hargis.
The left-handed pitcher has been dominate in three high school season, recording 246 strikeouts while earning All-State recognition each year, according to Lady Panther softball coach Christy Thomas.
It should be fun to track these three athletes as they mature and polish their games at the college level.
Who knows? Maybe they could end up like Williamson and keep their ball bouncing on to the professional level.
Heber Springs, Ark. —
