Wharton's Powell gets surprise visitor

Wharton senior linebacker Josh Powell's "laid-back" signing day ceremony on Wednesday had a welcomed surprise.

Powell's father, Bill, flew in from Kentucky that morning so that he could be there for his son's special day.

Powell said he "hardly ever sees" his father, who usually comes in for the Wildcats home games during the season. But the retired coal miner got to see Josh sign with Army to play football; Powell was joined by teammate Andreas Shields, who signed with USF.

"It was great to see (my dad)," Powell said. "Hecame cause it was a special occasion, flying down on short notice. He didn't want to miss it for anything."

Powell's whole family was there, including his stepfather, Colonel Scott Rey, who came over from MacDill Air Force Base dressed in camouflage.

Did he make Josh salute?

"Not yet," Powell said with a chuckle. "But I'm sure he will."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com