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$1 million in scholarships goes to GMC’s football elite

More than 40 of area’s best players celebrated at annual signing event.

Middletown football player Zach Edwards, with teammates E.J. Junior and Cody Quinn behind him, introduces himself during the annual GMC signing event held at Meridian Conference Center at the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel in West Chester on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012.

Staff photo by Greg Lynch Middletown football player Zach Edwards, with teammates E.J. Junior and Cody Quinn behind him, introduces himself during the annual GMC signing event held at Meridian Conference Center at the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel in West Chester on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Photos: National Signing Day

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By Jay Morrison, Staff Writer Updated 2:13 PM Thursday, February 2, 2012

WEST CHESTER TWP. — More than 40 football players representing more than $1 million in scholarships were on hand Wednesday for the Greater Miami Conference’s annual signing day event at the Wingate by Wyndham hotel.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time, and this is one of the largest classes I’ve ever seen,” GMC President Stu Eversole said. “We are immensely proud to celebrate the success of these young people. The excitement you’ve brought to our communities is second only to the pride you’ve brought our communities.”

Of the nine schools represented, Middletown was the only one with all of its recruits heading to Division I schools. Cody Quinn signed with Kentucky, and E.J. Junior and Zach Edwards will continue to be teammates as they both head to Cincinnati.

“It’s great because we already have a tight bond,” Junior said. “Once I committed, I kept trying to talk him into it. I told him it’s a great program and a great atmosphere down there. (UC assistant coach Kerry Coombs) has been pursuing us since our sophomore year, so this is great.”

Edwards was equally excited.

“This is one of the most important days of my life,” he said. “College prepares you for life, so obviously this is a very big decision.”

The coaches took turns at the podium talking about their players, and a few introduced them. But others, such as the Middies’ Troy Everhart, had the players come to the microphone and introduce themselves.

Most of them went through the usual routine, mentioning what school they are headed to and thanking their parents and coaches. But Quinn took a different route.

“I want to thank God for blessing with me a great family and blessing me with a great ability to do what I do,” he said, drawing a loud round of applause.

The event culminated with the players posing for group and individual photos and socializing with the crowd to both receive and offer congratulations from their peers.

“All of these guys are outstanding young men,” said Lakota West coach Larry Cox, the event organizer. “And I think it’s awesome that as a league we get together and celebrate this day together.”

Area football players who signed
scholarship letters of intent Wednesday
Jacob Bennett	Lebanon	Bowling Green
Nick Durham	Fenwick	Columbia
Zach Edwards	Middletown	Cincinnati
Austin Gearing	Fenwick	Miami
E.J. Junior	Middletown	Cincinnati
Mike Koehlke	Fenwick	Ohio Dominican
Nick Marchetti	Fenwick	Notre Dame College
Cody Quinn	Middletown	Kentucky