Excitement filled the hallways of Lowndes Academy on Feb. 2, National Signing Day, as three high school seniors were awarded college football scholarships.

Duanne WcWhorter and Dean Briggs of Faulkner University presented Brandon Pate, son of Hal Pate of Lowndesboro and Cindy Pate of Birmingham, Jordan Granthum, son of Craig and Cheryl Granthum of Hayneville and Kristian Kilpatrick, son of Tommy and Pam Kilpatrick of Montgomery, earned athletic scholarships in recognition of their achievements at Lowndes Academy.

“Very few people ever get to receive an opportunity such as this,” said Jordan Granthum.

Assistant football coach Matt Marshall expressed how much intensity the young men demonstrated over the course of the season at their positions and how they set examples for the entire football team.

“Each of the three showed leadership skills, team effort and work ethic, which will allow them to move successfully to the next level,” said Marshall. “They began as average players, advanced their performances to the college level and are three students that will be missed next year, due to the factors they contributed throughout their tenure at Lowndes.”

Chuck Insinga, Headmaster at Lowndes Academy, said the school was “proud to see them advance to a higher level, given the hard work and effort put into the game.”

Granthum, a 5-foot-11, 220-pounder says he will continue his strength-building exercises doused with some running to play as a defensive lineman at Faulkner.

The 6-3, 205-pound Kilpatrick will continue his routine in track and will make use of the Faulkner facilities to keep up his strength and play linebacker or defensive end.

As for Pate, 5-foot-9, 175 lbs., he said he will attend the Faulkner facilities to maintain his conditioning to play as defensive back.

“The young men deserve these scholarships,” said Insinga. “They are really good boys and I know that they will each represent their families well and give every effort possible athletically and academically as they move on to Faulkner.”