The Sebastian River Gridiron Association of Sebastian River High School (SRHS) Football proudly announces that four seniors—Joseph Butler, Marcus Grier, Jefferson Charles, and Deon Collins—have committed to becoming college athletes.
With only a little over 7% of high school athletes (approximately 1 in 13) advancing to play varsity sports in college and less than 2% of high school athletes (1 in 57) making it to NCAA Division I schools, this achievement is significant. Shark Nation is buzzing with excitement as SRHS Football marks an outstanding year, crowned by an SSAA Atlantic State Championship win and the next chapter in the football careers of four exceptional players.
Joseph Butler
Joseph Butler received 15 college offers and toured nine campuses. His final decision led him to accept a scholarship offer from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he was awarded scholarships for both football and track. Butler, who has a 3.8 GPA, wants to study business.
Butler played safety this year and made massive tackles that advanced his team to be state champs. He also excels in track and field, throwing and pole vaulting.
“Butler is a very driven athlete; he wants to be his best. He always works very hard to get better,” Coach Perry told Sebastian Daily.
Marcus Grier
Marcus Grier transferred to SRHS for his senior year. Several colleges tried recruiting Grier, and after visiting Crown College, a private Evangelical Christian college in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, Grier fell in love and made his decision final. He wants to study sports management.
“Coach Perry’s program opened many doors for me,” Grier told us.
Grier’s contribution as a wide receiver was pivotal in securing his team’s victory in the State Championship. Coach Perry remarked, “Marcus carved a spot on the team early on and fit in perfectly. He practiced hard and earned his spot in a starting varsity position.”
Jefferson Charles
Jefferson Charles transferred to Sebastian River High School last year and settled in nicely. Teachers and coaches praise him for being polite and hard-working. Jefferson made a big splash at SRHS Football as a cornerback. Jefferson had several colleges pursuing him, and after a few visits, he decided that Alfred University in New York was the best fit for him.
Coach Perry states Jefferson pushes himself and is driven. He has dreamed of playing ball in college since he was young and paid tribute to his late brother Bidensky Termidor.
Deon Collins
Deon Collins, maintaining a 3.0 GPA, joined SRHS for his senior year and found his place as a defensive back. With pivotal plays, he contributed to SRHS football securing its inaugural State Championship. Reflecting on his experience, Deon expressed feeling embraced by the Sebastian community and appreciated the belief and opportunities extended by the coaches.
As colleges sought out Deon, it was a realization of his dreams. He ultimately decided on Webber International to pursue studies in Sports Management. Coach Perry commended Collins as a trainable athlete, highlighting his passion for competition and diligent work ethic.
Sebastian River Gridiron Association
Nearly four years ago, the Sebastian River Gridiron Association (SRGA) was established with a vision beyond that of a typical booster club. Their nonprofit initiative aimed to offer support to both athletes and coaches alike.
When Coach Perry and the Board of Directors embarked on this endeavor, their intent was clear: to reinvest in their players. Their mission centered on empowering the student-athletes who had dedicated themselves to the program. SRGA’s goal extended beyond mere accolades; they sought to contribute to the future success of their athletes.
With pride, Coach Perry, his team, and the SRGA board awarded six $500 scholarships to outstanding athletes who demonstrated leadership both on the field and in the classroom. The SRGA extends gratitude to their sponsors whose contributions made these scholarships possible and helped realize their objectives.
Congratulations are in order for Louis Caswell, Rox Reiman, Patrick Hamilton, Tristen Feeley, Joseph Butler, and Markei Lynch. These individuals have exhibited tremendous dedication over the past four years, bringing pride to Shark Nation. This marks the 15th scholarship awarded by SRGA since its inception.
