By ERIKA CORD
News-Sun correspondent
SEBRING - The years of hard work and dedication finally paid off for Sebring's Ezell Gammage, after signing to the school of his choice, Miles College, on National Signing Day Wednesday.
The key defensive end for the Blue Streaks is transferring his skills to the Golden Bears in Fairfield, AL.
"The athletic program is great and not to mention the education I will be getting," Gammage said, before adding, with a laugh,
"and the great benefits help too!"
"I love how everyone there is cool with each other."
He has been playing football his whole life, and has shown his athletic versatility on the basketball courts for the Blue Streaks as well.
Gammage will be expected to play both defensive tackle and defensive end at Miles, and is externally thrilled to do so.
"I am most worried about being away from my 'mama'" he explained. "But I can't say I'm not excited to leave. I've worked hard for this and it's finally paying off."
"I want to thank (Sebring head) coach (LaVaar) Scott for being a big part in getting this far. If not for him I wouldn't be here, Gammage said. "He has been such a great role model, and Reverend Robert Shannon as well for financially supporting me and being my motivator."
At Miles, a Division II school plays in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference against such schools as Kentucky State, Albany State, Morehouse and Tuskegee University, and reached the NCAA Playoffs for the first time in school history last season.
In accumulating their 8-2 regular season record, the Golden Bears two losses were by a total of 11 points, and look to restock with a recruiting class of 37 student-athletes.
"They lost in the playoffs, so I hope to help them get a ring in the next few seasons," Gammage said. "I know I've got to stay focused, work hard and not take anything for granted."
Things his former head coach has no doubt he will do.
"He's a very determined young man," Scott said. "He's a responsible person who has worked hard to get here. He will do great things."
Looking toward majoring in Criminal Justice, Gammage knows the opportunity he's given himself - to work toward his college degree, as well as continuing his playing career on the next level.
"This means a lot, to play on the college level is going to be a great experience," he said. "It's a good program all around and I get to take advantage of a nice education."
News-Sun Sports Editor Dan Hoehne contributed to this story.
Sunday, February 10, 2013 - www.newssun.com/SUN-2-10-13-Gammage