Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Jace Grant and Connor Koch, seniors at Aucilla Christian Academy (ACA), had a signing day on Wednesday, May 3, officially accepting scholarships to play sports at their chosen colleges. Grant will be playing football with the Skyhawks at Point University, in West Point, Ga. Koch will be joining the Fire at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla., as a member of their inaugural Bass Fishing team.
Opening the signing ceremony, ACA Athletic Director Willy Gamalero said, “It's an exciting day to be a part of something that these two young men have worked hard at and been able to excel at and also now have the opportunity to go do at the collegiate level. They will not only be able to take their talents of fishing and football to these higher level schools but also to take their witness and what they've learned.”
Who would have thought that you could fish your way through college? That's just the opportunity that Koch has reeled in. His family tells how he has loved fishing his whole life and how happy they are that he can continue a sport he loves while pursuing a college degree.
Connor's mom, Brandy Koch, told the Monticello News, “He did his first bass tournament when he was five years old, in Branson, Mo. He was the only one there who didn't have help baiting his hook. He started fishing competitively his senior year. He dropped all other sports just to focus on bass fishing. We're just super excited that he gets to be part of the first Bass Fishing team at Southeastern University... He's worked hard, and he's got a 4.0, and I'm glad he gets to bass fish his way through his education.”
Victor Koch, Connor's dad, added, “I'm just grateful that he's got this opportunity to be able to go to an amazing Christian school, get the degree he wants in radiology and kinesiology, and bass fish on the side.”
Connor's grandparents were also present at the signing to share in the moment and celebrate his achievement.
Patricia Gay, Connor's grandmother, said, “I'm super excited to be here to see him. So, so proud of him. He's done really well all his school years. We're so happy for him and we love him.”
After signing his letter of intent, Connor said, “I just want to say that you don't hear of fishing scholarships too much. It's a newer thing, but it still does take a lot of dedication, a lot of hard work, a lot of traveling. I want to put all my success for the glory of God. It's really been him that's helped me do this and learn so much these past years, because I have been fishing my whole life.”
Likewise, Grant's family and coaches are excited for his opportunity to continue to play football while attending college.
ACA Varsity Football Head Coach Colby Roberts said during the signing ceremony, “You know, if somebody was to ask me to describe Jace in one word, the one that comes to mind is dedication. He's dedicated on the field and in the classroom, [where] he has a 4.0 GPA... Most importantly he's dedicated in his relationship with Jesus Christ, and that shows. If you know Jace, you know that's the most important thing in his life.”
Jace's parents and grandparents cheered him on as the signing took place.
Jace's mom, Christy Grant, told the News, “I'm so excited for Jace, because he's always been such a hard worker. Football has always been his favorite sport. He started as water boy in the fourth grade for the varsity football team, and has loved it ever since. To see his dreams come to fruition is just a blessing. I'm just so proud that he has used the talents that God has given him to take that into his future.”
Jace's grandfather, Johnny Queen, added, “Jace is a super, super young man, He deserves anything he gets. He's a super super good athlete, trains hard and is coachable. We're proud of him.”
Jace appreciates the opportunity and said he was thankful for the support he's had: “We worked hard – the whole football team – to get to this position. I wouldn't be in this position if it weren't for God. I feel like he's watched over me this whole process.”
As Gamalero said in his closing remarks to the assembly, “This is not something that just happens. This is something that comes with dedication, hard work, determination, grit. So if you want to be here one day, it takes a lot of hard work. It didn't just happen for them. They worked really hard for it.”