Merced Union High School District

For the Atwater High football trio of A.J. Banks, Sylas Austin and Durrell Morrison, the goal has always been to push each other so they all got an opportunity to play at the next level. That’s why Friday was so special as the three of them sat next to their families, celebrating the next chapter in their lives as they made their college choice official.

 

Banks is headed to Adams State in Colorado as quarterback, Austin to Fresno State as a wide receiver and Morrison to Linfield University in Oregon as a running back. Three dreams coming true together. 

 

“This has been the goal the whole time,” Morrison said. “I’ve known A.J. since eighth grade. Sylas, we met our freshman year. Those are my brothers. It’s always been our goal to get here and play ball in college.”

 

The football signings were a cap to a busy week as five Falcons athletes signed their national letters of intent in the gym. It started with Amara Rhodes, who is headed to University of Hartford to play volleyball, celebrating her signing with family and friends on Wednesday. Kylie Medina held her signing ceremony to play softball at Stanislaus State on Thursday and then the football trio on Friday.

 

Rhodes was a captain and a player her teammates looked up to during her Falcons volleyball career as a setter. She plans to major in psychology. “Honestly, it was an honor,” Rhodes said. “There was a brief time where I didn't really want to continue playing volleyball. I kind of lost the love for the sport, but having supportive coaches and supportive teammates was really important. I realized I want to continue this and I’m so grateful to have this opportunity.”

 

Rhodes says she clicked with the coaching staff and Hartford and had a chance to bond with her new teammates during a visit. “It really made my decision easy,” Rhodes said.

Medina also felt home with the nearby Stanislaus State campus. “I was kind of looking at all these offers that I had, taking my visits to these campuses and overall Stanislaus was a great campus, great life. I just felt like I was at home, so I decided to commit.”

 

The left-hander says she’s happy to have the decision made. “I mean, I couldn't really see myself anywhere else now, I'm glad that I picked Stan State,” Medina said. “I'm not worried about my future anymore. I was always worried about making the decision, but as soon as I said yes to my coaches, it felt great.”

 

The chance to play close to home was also appealing for Austin at Fresno State. “Fresno State was close, my mom graduated from Fresno, it’s in my blood,” Austin said. “This opportunity means a lot. A D1 college, I love the coaches there, I can’t wait to be out there at practice.”

 

Austin didn’t start playing football until he got to high school. Basketball was his first love. “I was always a basketball kid,” he said. “Then I realized you can’t b ea 6-foot-4 center in college. I was better off playing receiver or tight end.”

 

Austin, Morrison and Banks all plan to major in business. Banks said his visit to Adams State in Colorado had an Atwater feel to it. “Adams State felt like home when I was there,” Banks said. “I like everything about the environment, the people. It was nice, it felt like they cared about me. It felt like Atwater in Colorado.”

 

Banks was named the Central California Conference MVP after passing for 2,179 yards and 29 touchdowns last fall to go along with 505 rushing yards and four more scores. Austin hauled in 46 catches for 1,022 yards and 14 touchdowns to earn all-CCC first-team honors. Morrison was also an all-CCC first-team running back after rushing for 1,021 yards and 12 touchdowns. 

 

“Since day one, we knew the three of us were the best players on the field from the freshmen team to the JV team to the varsity team,” Austin said. “I can’t believe we made this happen today.” Banks added: “Durrell and Sylas helped me push through every game,” he said. “It’s just a blessing. Seeing everyone here, my family, I worked hard for this. I’m going to put my best foot forward.”

 

Morrison was able to sit with his family and take everything in. “Today is a valuable day, a great day,” he said. “I’m just so blessed to have the support system I have. This has always been the goal, go to college, get my degree and play sports. This day means everything to me.”

 

Morrison is excited for the next chapter in his life. “My whole life is going to change after this moment, but I’m ready for it,” he said. 

Shawn Jansen is the MUHSD Program Manager Digital Media. He can be reached at Sjansen@muhsd.org.