Dunedin standouts sign

Dunedin senior Matt Gilghrest showed how patience - and persistence - can pay off.
The Falcons two-sport standout was admittedly “discouraged” when a back injury forced him to miss his entire junior football season, and scared some college scouts away.
But Gilghrest’s strong senior season, in which he tallied 75 tackles and five interceptions helped land him a late scholarship from Bethune-Cookman. The 6-3, 180--pound senior, who scored touchdwons on four of his six receptions last season, will play receiver for the Wildcats.
“He really flew under the radar,” Dunedin coach Mark Everett said. “He can play anywhere (on the field) - I’m excited for him.”
Gilghrest’s teammate, kicker Evan McKeon, plans to be a perferred walk-on at Louisville, where he earned a full academic scholarship, Everett said.
“Their coaches said he’ll be the starting kicker in August,” Everett said. “It’s his position to lose.”
Softball signing: Boca Ciega pitcher Christina Hughes signed with Eckerd College. Hughes boasted a 1.09 E.R.A. with 125 strikeouts for the Pirates, while hitting .406. Hughes is the second county standout to sign with the Tritons; so did Pinellas Park shortstop Jessica Pridemore.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Comments

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Great Job Guys!!

Louisville is a great opportunity for McKeon who gets a chance to compete at a big time program while easing in to the big stage. With the kick off moved back to the 30 yard line in college he'll have a good shot at being the starter on opening day. He'll also benefit from training with Lou Groza winner Art Carmody (FG's)for a year. Carmody will graduate this season leaving McKeon in position to compete for balance of kicking duties next spring and summer. The coaching staff will work on his punting technique as well trying to get more leverage out of that big leg.

BC is getting a great athlete and a fine young man. He may not have surprised his own coaches but after not being able to play for a year he definetly opened some eyes. He was an integral part of the football team, playing multiple roles and contributing big plays consistent with a big time athlete. His contribution on the basketball court was also stellar and he almost pulled of the upset of the year when he finished 2nd in the all-star dunk contest. BC is getting a winner.

[Child of God]

Great job Matt. Your parents did a great job of letting you know as a child how important education was, you is a perfect example of what education can bring you. If you was just a good football player with no grades you would not got this same chance. I can not wait for the Florida Classic in Orlando.