Two Iola High School athletes signed with their collegiate homes on Wednesday in a ceremony at the school. Adam Atwell signed to play football at the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth. TJ Taylor signed to play baseball at Southwestern College in Winfield as an outfielder.
Atwell, a linebacker, was recruited by St. Mary coach Lance Hinton, a distant relative.
Hinton said Atwell’s grandmother introduced the two at Thanksgiving dinner and “after looking at his film,” saw his potential.
Atwell had 74 tackles last season, second-most on the team and one of the highest totals in the area.
“I’m really excited and ready to go play some more football,” Atwell said. “I didn’t expect to run into Coach Hinton on Thanksgiving, but I’m sure glad I did.”
Taylor, who also starred in football and is wrestling for a state title this weekend, has been a key for the Mustangs on the diamond. Taylor had 10 RBIs and eight stolen bases last season. He was also courted by a handful of teams in other sports before choosing baseball at Southwestern.
“I love the community at Southwestern,” Taylor said. “Being on campus, it felt like a true family. They were the only ones to offer me a baseball scholarship, and I really wanted to play baseball at the next level.”
Taylor is expected to be a key contributor this season before he departs for Southwestern. Taylor plans to study education.
“TJ is the kind of kid that all the other ones are going to look up to,” said Iola baseball coach Ryan Latta. “He may not be the most vocal kid, but he leads by example and has a great attitude. We are looking forward to seeing TJ step up for us and for him to have a great year. TJ plays well defensively and uses his speed well.”
