(Pearson Family Photo) Jonah Pearson shows his committment to play football to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Pearson was a key contributing member of Liberty Hill's "Black Thunder" defense the past two seasons.
From Staff Reports
Jonah “Mongoose” Pearson has committed to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and will play football for the Crusaders. His decision was
delayed, as he weighed the variety of options and opportunities offered. He chose UMHB over spring break, because of the school’s reputation, both athletically and academically. UMHB officials were diligent, respectful, helpful and informative in their recruiting efforts, supporting the stellar reputation they project.
“The school is close (to Liberty Hill) and my family and friends can come see me play,” Pearson stated. “It’s a good christian school. I looked through quite a few schools, considering distance (Trinity in San Antonio, Henderson in Arkansas) and other schools.
“In the end it camed down to Trinity and UMHB found UMHB was the best fit for what I wanted to accomplish. I liked their academics.”
According to a release from the Pearson family: “We are very proud of Liberty Hill; its traditions, and successes, both as a town and as a school system. Our family has learned a lot during this recruiting process. It was quite an eye opening experience.
“Students and their families who have dreams of one day participating or competing at the collegiate level must get educated and involved early. If you decide on the Division III School, there are no athletic scholarships, so your grades will dictate what kind of aid is available. Now it may become a matter of, you may have the talent but can’t afford to play in college.”
The release continued: “This is a very important choice to make; one that goes beyond the next four years, into a lifetime. With that in mind and, knowing that NCAA Division III institutions are not part of the National Letter of Intent, which is associated with ‘National Signing Day.’ There was no need to rush such a critical decision.”
Pearson, a key member of Liberty Hill’s “Black Thunder” defense the past two years, enjoyed his time with the LHHS program.
“It’s such a great program,” Pearson stated. “Coach (Jerry) Vance is a great coach; the whole coaching staff if strong, I’m going to miss all of them. I’m going to miss my teammates as well.
“I loved playing defense at Librety Hill; we were strong and very intense. We played together and worked hard together.”
As for the upcoming graduation from LHHS, Pearson said: “I’m ready but going to miss some of the small town atmosphere – and everything that goes with it. I liked playing on a high school football team where everyone knows you and you know everyone. I’m going to miss seeing the (team) calendars throughout the town.”
