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Four Escambia Academy student athletes signed their letters of intent to play at the next level during a signing ceremony Monday morning in Canoe.

Eli Covington signed to run cross country at Coastal Alabama Community College; Luke Bell signed to play football at Huntingdon College; Zeke McElhaney signed to play football at Faulkner University; and Quinton Odom signed to play basketball at CACC.

Athletic Director Gex Billups said a small percentage of student athletes get the opportunity to sign to play sports in college, adding that he knows that each will make EA proud.

EA cross country coach Ryder Jernigan said Covington is a great athlete, and does what coaches tell him.

“He’s a very hard worker,” Jernigan said. “He’s very smart, and very studious.”
Jernigan said he can’t wait to see what Covington is going to do at CACC.

EA basketball coach Jerome Webster thanked Ms. (Veronica) Odom, Coach Odom and Momma Odom for the opportunity to coach Quinton.

“He had a great season,” Webster said. “We are behind your as your EA family.”

Billups said Bell and McElhaney are two good kids, and leaders on and off the field.

Billups said even though Bell was a tight end and linebacker, he was willing to play in any spot.

“His season was cut short, but Luke supported the team on the sideline,” Billups said.

Billups said McElhaney’s spirit is that of a warrior.

“He also battled injuries, but he had a love of the game,” the coach said.

Headmaster Susie Kirk said all four athletes are leaders on the field and in school.

“They have always taken care of their teammates,” Kirk said. “They go through the extra mile.”
Kirk added that Covington is always trying to get a run in when possible; Odom is always shooting the basketball; and Bell and McElhaney worked hard, sucked it up when battling injuries and encouraged their teammates.

Odom is the son of Veronica Odom; Covington is the son of Bridgette and James Covington; Bell is the son is CJ and Dana Bell; and McElhaney is the son of Chris and Beth McElhaney.