GOOD HOPE, Ala. – Just a couple weeks after one Raider standout signed to continue their athletic career at Millsaps, D.E. Ryan Gymnasium was full once again Wednesday afternoon to see another Good Hope Raider take their own step to the next level. Andrew Easterwood is the latest Good Hope product to announce their college decision and the Raider defensive back will be taking his talent to Lyon College in Arkansas to play for the Scots and Head Coach Chris Douglas. Andrew got to know several of the coaches at Lyon throughout the recruiting process and felt welcomed by the program right away.
“It was extremely family-oriented and there was a lot of communication back and forth making sure I was okay. I had a visit set up and we had to reschedule because they wanted to make sure we would be safe, so it was obvious that they really cared,” Easterwood said. “It’s not like I’ll be just another warm body there. They’ve really felt like a part of my family, and I’ve had lots of phone calls with them where they just wanted to make sure I had what I needed before I committed. It felt like I was on the team already.”
Before Easterwood made his announcement, Raiders Head Football Coach Alan Scott took a few moments to speak to the crowd of classmates, teammates and family about the opportunity Easterwood has earned.
“Guys I don’t know if you know how rare this is but it’s a very awesome opportunity that he’s been given and that’s because of the hard work and the time he’s put in not only on the field but off the field and also in the recruiting process,” Scott said. “I’m thankful to have coached Drew for four years, he played well for us this year in the secondary and sealed at least two ball games at the end with an interception, one of them in a playoff game. So, I’m excited he’s gotten this opportunity.”
Easterwood is going to miss playing for and in front of his community on Friday nights but at the same time, he’s excited to represent Raider nation on the field at the next level.
“I think what I’ll miss the most is having this community. Growing up with everybody and knowing everyone really makes you want to play harder for them knowing that those are your people. No matter where you are, they’re always there and really what I’m looking forward to most is being able to represent them,” Easterwood said. “Being able to show everyone that Good Hope is in the conversation among the best. Coach (Alan) Scott and the rest of the coaches really know how to help us progress and care about us as if we were theirs.”
Copyright 2022 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
