Two 2008 Lions Commit to Play College Football

Two members of the 2008 Camden Lions football team have committed to play football on the college level. On National Signing Day, Ross Dudley committed to Lambuth University, and recently Andy Travis signed with Bethel University. Both signing ceremonies were held in the CHS Library with friends and family present for each event. L to R: Sheri Kim Dudley, Lions Head Coach Kevin Ward, Mark Dudley. Seated: Ross Dudley

CHS Head Football Coach Kevin Ward was very complimentary of Dudley. "When he was a sophomore & started as a defensive back, you could tell he really fell in love with the game. He enjoyed being in the weight room & it was when he decided that he would like to play college football. From that point on, he put in the extra time that is required to make sure you are physically ready to play. His high level of commitment has continued from that point on." Coach Ward also mentioned that Lambuth will benefit from Ross being there; he will be a leader at that level as well. "Ross had his personal life, grades, the weight room, and football all in the proper prospective" Ward said. "It's not often that we get to coach a player that has the complete package, I am very proud of him & glad he will have this chance to play."

Ross piled up some significant numbers at CHS. A few significant stats include: 111 rushing attempts for 843 yards & 12 TD's, 116 total tackles with 66 solos stops, 5 interceptions, 3 pass break ups, and a TD. He was voted by the team to be a captain & represented them well. Follow this link for additional info on Ross at the Lambuth University website.

Ross was a major component on the CHS offense as a running back and defensively at the linebacker position. At Lambuth, he hopes to play linebacker. "They also mentioned wide receiver, but it really doesn't matter to me", he added. Ross will finish out his senior year playing baseball & "staying healthy". Dudley will start as a student at Lambuth one season before they make the switch to NCAA Division 1 classification. "I was impressed by the coaches & their interest in me", Ross stated. "The level of academics was also a draw; you're not going to play ball forever!" Ross is planning on majoring in physical therapy at Lambuth to fill a long time interest in the field.

On 7 April 09, a signing ceremony was held for Andy Travis to celebrate his commitment with Bethel University. Camden grad, Coach Alan Hollowell was on hand to represent Bethel's football at the event. Standing, L to R: Lions Head Coach Kevin Ward, Bethel Assistant Coach Alan Hollowell. Seated L to R: Joe Whitworth, Steve Whitworth, Andy Travis, Paige Kelly

Head Football Coach Kevin Ward was very complimentary of Andy. "He was a great leader, he was verbal, and worked hard in every practice, never took a play off; one of the best team captains I have been able to work with." Ward said, "I look forward to watching his success here at Camden carry over to help him at Bethel". Andy stacked up some excellent numbers at CHS. A few of the outstanding stats are 107 rushing attempts for 844 yards & 13 TD's, 7 receptions for 269 yards & 5 TD's, 9 kickoff returns for 244 yards & a TD, 71 total defensive tackles with 48 solo?s, 2 interceptions & 3 pass break ups.

Andy will join a "Camden crew" at Bethel; past outstanding players from CHS that are playing at Bethel include Desmond Zollicoffer, Chase Horton, Josh Boyd, Kyle Combs, and Byron Boyd. Coach Ward commented on the good job that Bethel was doing recruiting local players for their team. Andy could be red shirted the first year to help with his acclimation to college life. "They will probably try him at defensive back, maybe corner to start; let him play as a cover guy & handle some man-on-man coverage situations", Ward added.

Congratulations & best wishes to Andy and Ross as they step into the next phase of their lives!

GO LIONS!