Photo: From left, Jackson Hale, Tyler Starnes, Gordo Macias, and Vincent Walters, Hernando soccer seniors who signed offers on Friday, Jan. 12. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
Four vital components to the unbeaten Hernando High School soccer team now know where they will be playing next season. All four signed college commitments Friday morning during an event at the school library.
Coach Mark Hogan said the group, Tyler Starnes, Vincent Walters, Osvaldo “Gordo” Macias, and Jackson Hale, mean everything to the success of the Tigers.
“They are three-and-four year starters, captains on and off the field,” Hogan said. “You can’t teach these boys what they do for the team and for the community. It’s a big loss that we’re going to lose but I’m proud of them.”
Starnes will be going to play next season at Northwest Mississippi Community, Walters will be at Itawamba Community College, Macias heads to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and Hale will play next at Blue Mountain Christian University.
Hogan said all four are all-around good players who were heavily recruited ahead of their decision on what college to play for. He also stressed the group are constantly active on the pitch, attacking and defending. They reflect a strong growth in the sport.
“Soccer is growing, especially here in Hernando,” Hogan noted. “We’ve got club teams so a lot of guys are playing a lot of soccer.”
Seatsed from left, Jackson Hale, Tyler Starnes, Gordo Macias, and Vincent Walters. Standing from left, principal Duane Case, coaches Mark Hogan and Steven Geraci, and athletic director Nick Brown. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
