By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

STAYTON, Ore.–  College has always been an important part of anyone’s life.  Getting an opportunity to play athletics at that level just adds to the college experience.

Wednesday morning, in the library on the campus of Stayton High School, bearing their soon-to-be-college T-shirts; Kyle Schwarm (Football, Geroge Fox University), Devon Garber (Football, Pacific University) and Kymberlin Bush (Cross Country, Pacific University) all approached the table drapped with a tablecloth that read, ‘Stayton High School’, and signed their letter of intents.

Head Football coach Andrew Campbell, who played offensive line himself at Valley City State University in North Dakota, had an opportunity to say a few kind words to his quarterback in Schwarm and his lineman in Garber as they prepare to now be opposition instead of teammates going forward.

But Campbell said, no matter where they go off to play, playing college athletics is a small fraternity all in itself.

“Its kind of what we want to do as educators, what we want to do as coaches,” said Campbell.  “To prepare your kids to get off to the next level  themselves.  Both of these young men have done a great jobs, being able to prepare themselves (in) doing all the leg work, having done all the stuff we’ve asked them to do and this is one of those things that they’ve earned.  They’ve earned that right.  As a former college athlete, it’s a small fraternity.”

Athletic Director Darren Shryock spoke highly of each of the three student-athlete’s leading up to the event on their accomplishments and their endeavors ahead.

“Kyle is a tremendous athlete who has the ability to be a big time quarterback in college.” He started. “Signing with George Fox University is a great next step for him. The Bruins are lucky to have him.

“Kymberlin is a dedicated runner who is going to do great things in life. Her desire to excel, along with her genuine care for others, will make her a success in college and in life.

“Devon is a tireless worker who got better every day this year. He is a great kid and Pacific University is fortunate to have him not only as a football player, but as a person.”

Bush, who didn’t think she’ll go on after her fantastic sophomore campaign, explained the journey to this point as she continues her running career at Pacific University.

“For a really long time, I thought I wasn’t going to because I wasn’t as fast as I was my sophomore year,” said Bush.  “I thought that dream kind of ended for me so when Pacific contacted me last year and now I’m going to run for them, it’s really cool that I’ll get that chance and I thought I wasn’t going to have it.”

For Schwarm and Garber, both have gone from teammates to now opponents as George Fox University and Pacific University Football teams are in the NCAA Division-III Northwest Conference.

Through the excitement of what’s ahead, knowing that they’ll be playing against each other in some facuet, these two teammates are looking forward to the fun competition ahead in college.

“Oh yeah, it’s going to be a fun little rivalry.  It’ll be fun,” said Schwarm with a smile.  “I’m just proud of him, I’m excited that he’s getting to play college football.”

Though Garber will most likely be playing on the offensive line in college, the coaches at Pacific also hinted towards some defensive line play as well for the six-foot, 265 pounder.

“It’s going to be great,” said Garber with a chuckle.  “I’ll pick him up afterwards but it’s going to be fun.  Kyle and I had little things in practice where we competed against each other and now we’re actually going to be playing against each other.”

As the fun and games are winding down in the library, and though their goals and expectations may be different as they go in their separate ways following graduation here in a few short weeks; Bush, Schwarm and Garber will hold their time as a Stayton Eagle dearly to their hearts.

“Just playing with my friends on Friday Nights,” said Schwarm.  “Looking up at the lights and just enjoying Stayton’s pride and sports.”

“Definitely kind of that aspect of family that we have,” added Bush.  “The relationships that I have made through Cross Country and Track, those are the friends I’m going to have for the rest of my life and there’s nothing better than that.”

As their high school careers come to an end, to a close to say, another door opens.  90s Alterative Rock Band Semisonic had said it the best:

‘Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.’

Follow Jeremy McDonald on Twitter at @J_McDonald81 or like jmcdonaldmedia.com on Facebook.

SOME OTHER PICTURES FROM WEDNESDAY’S EVENT (PICTURES BY JEREMY MCDONALD)