A signing ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon for Brownwood High tennis seniors Mo Goff and Lillian Jonescue, who are bound for Howard Payne to continue their athletic and academic careers.
The duo comprises 40 percent of the Brownwood contingent that will compete at the Region I-4A tennis tournament in Lubbock next week. Goff is the District 6-4A runner-up in boys singles, while Jonescue and partner Aaliyah Uvalle teamed up to win the 6-4A girls doubles crown.
Goff, who has been awarded to the Douglas MacArthur scholarship, knew Howard Payne is where he was headed.
“You can’t really argue with a free education,” Goff said with a laugh. “But I’m also really excited to attend the academy, they have some outstanding programs. I’ve even gotten to work with some of the professors before I officially have them. I’m also really excited to play under Coach (Brandon) Hettick. He’s did an outstanding job of cultivating a great team at (San Angelo) Lake View and now he’s moved here and he’s going to do that same thing.”
Jonescue opted for Howard Payne because of its location.
“I wanted to stay close to home,” Jonescue said. “I’m not really ready to branch out, it’s in my hometown, it’s very small, and I didn’t want a big college. Plus they offer great pathways that I’m interested in and I can stay in town and be with my family until I’m ready to branch out and go off.”
IN THE PHOTO: Brownwood’s Lillian Jonescue (left) and Mo Goff (right) signed on Wednesday to play tennis at Howard Payne. [Photos and story by Derrick Stuckly of Brownwoodnews.com]
