Lebanon seniors Brandon Horsley, Adrian Palmer and Ryan Skeens will continue their football careers together next year as they transition from Yellowjackets to Bearcats for Southwest Baptist next year.
"Having Ryan and Brandon go (to SBU) is just extra confirmation that this is my home and I will have brothers there already," Palmer said. "I will make a lot of new friends and new brothers there and more family, but it is nice to have family going along with you."
The trio will be heading an hour away, which will allow their friends and families to follow them closely throughout their college careers, but for each location was not the sole reason for choosing SBU.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE SIGNING (Thanks to Nick Mebruer for submitting photos of all the Lebanon signings).
"Location is key because it is only about an hour away. It is awesome to have all of the support that will be coming out," Skeens said. "My faith is very important to me and that is a very important part of SBU's program."
Palmer echoed the Skeens’ sentiment.
"Location is a big thing but it is not the only thing," Palmer said. "I think the most important thing is my relationship with God. SBU is going to be able to meet the needs to make my relationship with God grow."
Faith was also a deciding factor for Horsley.
"It is a good Christian school. Faith is a big part of my life. I am just really glad that I could move that forward and keep growing as a Christian and keep growing as an athlete as I am doing that," Horsley said.
On the field, the Bearcats are getting a talented trio.
Palmer was named Class 5 Third-Team All-State by the coaches for his efforts at linebacker. He tallied 170 tackles with two sacks and an interception as a senior. He also carried the ball 111 times for 575 yards and four touchdowns on offense.
Horsley was honored as a Second-Team All-Ozark Conference selection at running back after rushing 183 times for 1,308 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior.
Skeens racked up 47 tackles to go with four sacks and an interception in his final year for the Lebanon.
For Palmer, SBU is a family affair as well.
"I have always loved SBU," Palmer said. "My family went there, so I had a lot of connections there. Going on visits it felt like I was at home. I loved the coaching staff and everything that is going on there. It is a really big bonus having these two guys go along with me."
Skeens’ father also attended SBU.
Lebanon’s First-Team All-Ozark Conference kicker Kendrick Tiller signed with FCS Southeast Missouri State. Austin Blann rounded out Lebanon’s signings as he will attend William Penn.
In addition to the five football players, Taylor Blattner (Softball – Crowder College), Shelby Hicks (Softball – Missouri Valley) and Maggie Plake (Volleyball – College of the Ozarks) also signed on Wednesday.
