Randall McDonald is the kind of kid who seems destined for success.
He was the starting quarterback for the Homewood-Flossmoor football team. He owns his own business – RPM Athletic Wear – customizing gear for other athletes. And he’s earned a college scholarship.
McDonald signed with the University of Findlay in a ceremony with other future college athletes in the H-F auditorium Feb 5. He only visited the Ohio campus the weekend before.
“I’ve worked hard every single day to get to this point and I’m certainly not done, yet,” McDonald said. “I’m planning to make a really big impact on the University of Findlay.”
McDonald went out of his way to thank his teammates – especially his offensive line – and coach Terrell Alexander for helping him get to this point.
He said he was glad to have the chance to sign in a ceremony with three of his teammates.
“I just really wish the best for them in each of their paths. I know we’re going to represent H-F football the right way,” McDonald said.
He’ll major in finance and marketing with a plan to go into real estate.
Banking on the chip on his shoulder
Jayden Banks says he was overlooked because of his size. The receiver and running back was listed at 5-foot-9 at H-F, but he insists he’s more than his diminutive frame.
“I had to work harder than everybody else. It took more for me to even get this opportunity (to play in college), so I’m grateful,” Banks said.
He’ll stay in-state to play for Quincy University. He visited on Jan. 25 and made his decision almost immediately. Hawks coaches told him he’ll get the chance to play both receiver and running back, which is something Banks wants to do.
Ball State, Central Michigan and a few other Mid-American Conference schools showed interest but none offered scholarships. He plans to make them regret that.
“I always played with a chip on my shoulder. I always played every play like it’s my last,” Banks said. “I just love the game that much.”
Terrell headed to UW-Stout
MJ Terrell will tote the ball for the University of Wisconsin-Stout, joining several area players including former H-F Viking AJ Hogan.
“It kind of made me feel like home,” Terrell said. “I knew that I could go there and make an impact right when I start playing.”
The campus is about five hours from H-F. Terrell said he didn’t want to go to a school much further than that from home. He also considered Rockford University, Wisconsin- Whitewater and a few others.
He’ll major in real estate property management. He has family in the business.
“I know once I get there, I got to work my butt off and show them what I’m capable of on the field,” Terrell said. “They don’t have any other running backs like me.”
Baker staying close to home
Omari Baker won’t need to travel very far for his next step. He’ll play offensive line at Roosevelt University in Chicago.
“It’s like a dream come true. I get to play football. I get to go to college, make my parents proud,” he said. “That’s all I could ask for.”
Baker said being close to home was a factor in his decision.
Roosevelt coaches want him to put on some weight before he sees the field. He’ll likely play guard but could also play some defense, he said.
Baker will major in computer science and hopes to someday work in artificial intelligence.
“I was looking for something (a city campus). Great dorms, great community, I just love it out there,” he said. “I’ll get down there, get my body right and hopefully play early.”
Anderson headed to the Keystone state for water polo
Solitaire Anderson wasn’t sure she’d be a college athlete. She didn’t know if it was something that she even wanted. Then Penn State University-Behrend reached out and offered her a scholarship in September.
“I was like ‘You know what? I really love water polo so this is what I’m going to do,’” Anderson said. “I’ve always had dreams of doing it but I was kind of skeptical. I was like ‘It probably won’t happen because water polo isn’t a huge sport, yet.’”
She was impressed with the scenery and the friendly people on her visit to the Erie, Pennsylvania, campus. She’ll play goalie on the shallow end for the Lions.
“I think just being a part of the team aspect, being a part of the family thing where I can shine and show my talents and also still have teammates who are there for me, that just means a lot to me,” Anderson said.
The other water polo options were community colleges in California. That was too far away for her to consider.
Anderson plans to major in elementary education and hopes to become a teacher, something she’s wanted to do since she was a sophomore.
“I like working with little kids and I like enlightening little minds,” she said. “That’s probably the best thing for me.”
