Holt Senior Athletes to Play College Football—Find Out Where

On National Signing Day, Feb. 6, Wentzville Patch brought you the stories of two Wentzville School District Seniors who signed their National Letters of Intent:

READ MORE: Wentzville School District Seniors Sign National Letters of Intent

And yesterday we featured two track and field athletes who also signed:

READ MORE: Wentzville Track Standouts Sign National Letters of Intent

Today we bring you some Wentzville School District seniors who will be playing college football next year:

Tray Mitchell, Holt

Holt High School senior Tray Mitchell has committed to play football for the Panthers of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. With his mother Karen and father Thomas Sr. by his side, Mitchell signed his National Letter of Intent at Holt High School.

“That was the first place I went on my official visit, I got to meet the coaches and the players,” said Mitchell. “They say you’ll know when you’re in the right place, and I really got that feeling, it felt like family.” During his senior season Mitchell scored 12 touchdowns and rushed for 1,157 yards, averaging over 7 yards per carry. He was a 1st Team All-Conference and Class 5 All-District selection, and also named the 2012 Gateway Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Mitchell plans on majoring in animal science at EIU and hopes to be a veterinarian.

Mark Cushing, Holt

Holt High School senior Mark Cushing has committed to play football for the Redhawks of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO. With his father Brian and brother Timmy by his side, Cushing signed his National Letter of Intent at Holt High School.

“When I went on my official visit, they really made me feel at home, part of the family and part of the team,” said Cushing. “There the fullback runs the ball and they’ll throw it to me, so I’ll be able to be more than just a battering ram, I’ll be able to use some of my other talents.”

During his senior season Cushing scored 6 touchdowns and racked up 355 total yards. As a linebacker, he was second on the team with 78 tackles and also recorded five sacks. His defensive specialty was blocking kicks, and he set a Missouri state record with 18 career blocks. This season Cushing was named a 1st Team All-Conference linebacker and 2nd Team All-Conference running back. He was a Class 5 All-District selection, and also named 3rd Team All-State in the MFCA poll. Cushing plans on majoring in business while at SEMO.

Clint Koons, Holt

Holt High School senior linebacker Clint Koons has committed to play football for the Lions of Lindenwood University. With his mother Laura and father Robert by his side, Koons signed his National Letter of Intent at Holt High School.

“I feel like it’s the best fit, they have a good program and a quality education,” said Koons. “The campus is great, and they have some really nice football facilities.”

As a senior captain Koons led the team with 117 tackles and 61 assists. This season he was a 1st Team All-Conference and Class 5 All-District selection. He was named a 2nd Team All-State linebacker in the MSSA poll, and also honored as the 2012 Gateway Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Koons has a 3.4 GPA and scored a 25 on the ACT, and plans on majoring in criminal justice while at Lindenwood.

Dan Freymuth, Ethan Nixon and Zack Wagster, Holt

Holt High School seniors Dan Freymuth, Ethan Nixon, and Zack Wagster have all committed to play football for the Ravens of Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. All three signed their National Letters of Intent at Holt High School surrounded by family and friends.

“It was the school that showed the most interest, they showed me that I mattered and that I could make a difference,” said Freymuth.

“I felt good, I was really impressed," Wagster added “I really like the campus and the atmosphere; it seems like a good football town.”

Freymuth, a defensive end, had a 120 total tackles and 11 sacks this season. He was selected 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-District, and was also named a 2nd Team All-State player in the MSSA poll.

Nixon, a wide receiver and punter, led the team in receiving yards averaging over 24 yards per catch. He was also honored as a 1st Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-District punter.

Wagster, a long snapper, is a three-year Academic All-Conference selection and member of the National Honor Society with a 3.7 GPA. He also won the football Sportsmanship Award and was a 2nd Team All-Conference wrestler.  

(Information and photos provided by Wentzville School District.)