Signing Day Diary: Armwood

Times staff writer Joe Smith will trek all around Hillsborough County for national signing day, catching the sights - and sounds - at cermonies at several schools on high school football's biggest day.

Stop Two: Armwood

Armwood coach Sean Callahan started a tie tradition a year ago, purchasing several Hawks' blue-colored ties so that his kids can look slick on signing day.

There were three Hawks wearing them proudly on Wednesday, with two noticeable absences. As expected, tailback Eric Smith (Auburn), kicker Wesley Skiffington (Stony Brook) and defensive end Sergio Joyner (Western Kentucky).

But the two empty placesettings - Matt Patchan (Florida) and Josh Alston (Air Force) -- were for different reasons. Patchan is already enrolled at Florida - his parents, Matt and Deanne, were in attendance, along with over 30 other Hawks fans and players. Alston, a defensive lineman, was battling a 103-fever and couldn't make it.

Callahan said Alston is still deciding whether to sign with Air Force or attend South Florida on a Bright Futures scholarship.

"But he came in here today to get his schoolwork- as sick as he was," Hawks line coach Matt Thompson said. "That's the kind of kid he is."

For Joyner, he's an athlete of little words, but his play speaks volumes. Joyner said he'll play linebacker for Western Kentucky, which he picked over Middle Tennessee.

"I just felt comfortable there," Joyner said.

Skiffington, who spent one year at Armwood after transferring from Brandon, has made up for lost time. An early graduate, like his buddy Patchan, Skiffington said he's been taking classes at Hillsborough Community College and working 30 hours a week as a delivery guy for Munchies, making over $400 a week.

"I'm going to start doing kickoffs for (Stoneybrook)," Skiffington said. "The coaches said the punting and kicking are my (jobs) to take."

The trio smiled for cameras as a large screen showed highlights of them.

Then, as expected, Callahan collected the ties.

"I'll need them for next year," he said with a grin.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com