STUDENT-ATHLETE CASHES IN
Hard work pays off as Brown earns college scholarship
By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor

WEST SABINE'S CALUB BROWN is congratulated by Tod Stark after signing a college letter of intent with West Texas A&M as faculty and family members look on.

Calub Brown always knew he had the talent to play college ball.

Last week, Brown saw his dreams come true when he signed a football letter of intent with Division II West Texas A&M after completing his football and basketball seasons at West Sabine High School.

"This is probably the happiest day of my life," Brown said. "I will get the opportunity to further my education and play football. I very excited about it.

"I plan on taking what my parents taught me all my life is to be a good citizen and do everything to the best of your abilities," Brown said. "When God gives you a gift, you have to use it and not waste it."

Brown starred for the Tigers as the starting quarterback this past year and also saw action at defensive back. He was so impressive this past year that he was named the District 23-A most valuable player.

"He meant a lot to this program," said West Sabine Head Football Coach Tod Stark. "Not only with his ability on the field but more with his character that he displays. He exhibits great character both on and off the field.

Newsboy photos/Jimmy Galvan

"He is a class act and a leader and role model," Stark said. "He is just a role model for everybody else around here. He is like another teacher in the classroom or coach on the field. You can't ask for any better of a player to have in your program."

The assembly showing Brown signing with West Texas A&M was held last week, not only to congratulate Brown but to demonstrate to the entire student body of what can be reached through hard work.

"We wanted to show how important it is to reach your dream," Stark said. "Work hard in the classroom first and then work hard on the practice field to achieve your goals. We wanted all our other student to see this and strive to reach the same limelight some day."

The theme for the day of Brown's signing was ASAP day with ASAP standing for Academics first, Student, Athlete and Payoff.

"This is his payoff for all his hard work," Stark said.

Stark said he was not surprised with Brown signing with a college scholarship.

"He's an overall good athlete and we knew he would sign somewhere," Stark said.

In fact, Brown has been cleared to play both football and basketball at West Texas A&M. The Tigers advanced to the second round in Class Afootball playoffs last year

Stark believes that Brown has set the tone for the athletic program for years to come at West Sabine High School, which is located in Pineland.

"I think there will be others that will step into his shoes and fill them one day," Stark said. "He was quite an athlete for us but even more so, he is a scholar in the classroom."