KAIGEN MULKEY SIGNS TO UTC ON A CROSS COUNTRY SCHOLARSHIP — Kaigen Mulkey accepts his cross country scholarship.
Kaigen Mulkey Signs to UTC on a Cross Country Scholarship
Central High boasts numerous senior athletes who have either signed or committed to different colleges and universities on athletic scholarships. Recently, one of Central’s seniors, Kaigen Mulkey, signed with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). He received a scholarship for his achievements in cross country.
Founded in 1886, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga resides in the downtown area among many opportunities for jobs and internships. The campus extends for 425 acres, with several academic buildings and a gym equipped with an aquatic center.
The public university maintains an acceptance rate of about 83% and received about 11,651 students in the fall of 2019. Students must have at least a 2.85 GPA and an 18 on the ACT or a 2.5 GPA with a composite score of 21 on the ACT.
Mulkey explained that after UTC reached out to him, he emailed the UTC coach to set up a tour and was able to speak with him in person.
“I was shocked when I got the offer,” Mulkey revealed.
He also revealed that Stacy Alexander, the college adviser, helped him with the application process. She was able to answer any of the questions that arose as he was completing the application process. Mrs. Alexander expressed her pride in Mulkey’s accomplishment.
“I was very excited about his signing with UTC for cross country,” Mrs. Alexander explained, “I am glad that I had a small part in helping him decide his future.”
Mulkey’s coach, Joseph Parrott, is a UTC alumnus and was also excited to hear that Mulkey was rewarded with this scholarship.
“My reaction was one of extreme happiness, as Kaigen has been working so hard to earn a scholarship for as long as I’ve known him,” commented Mr. Parrott. “I am very proud of Kaigen.”
Mr. Parrott described Mulkey as a hard working athlete. According to the coach, one of Mulkey’s biggest achievements in cross country this year was when he made a new personal record of 16 minutes and 56 seconds on a 5 kilometer race. He also revealed that the athlete was hoping to be able to go to a school close to home while still being able to continue doing what he loves.
UTC is ranked as the 117th school for part-time Master’s of Business Administration programs. Mulkey plans to continue his education by majoring in business management with gratitude towards this scholarship.
Senior Marquis Ray Signs to Maryville College on a Football Scholarship
SENIOR MARQUIS RAY SIGNS TO MARYVILLE COLLEGE ON A FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP — Senior Marquis Ray signs to Maryville College alongside Football Head Coach Curt Jones (right) and Assistant Coach Tray Martin (left).
Central High has recently recognized many seniors for signing or committing to colleges and universities for their exceptional athletic ability. Coaches and families could not be more proud for each of the students. They see it as a true achievement on their part as well as the students’. Senior Marquis Ray was no exception to receiving his own signing day, February 5, in the school’s library. He officially signed to attend Maryville College this upcoming fall semester on a football scholarship for his excellence in the sport.
Maryville College is recognized as the third best regional college in the south; its academic department is highly favored with over 90 bachelor’s degrees and focus on good education. The total 2019 fall enrollment was 1,148 students. This private liberal arts college in Maryville, Tennessee, is located between the Smoky Mountains and the city of Knoxville. The institution is associated with the Presbyterian church and is also part of the NCAA Division III.
Among the many supporters, Football Head Coach Curt Jones was among the most supportive for Ray. He started coaching Ray’s junior year and has seen his potential as a teammate and individual player.
“I’m very excited for him. Any time we have a young man that gets the opportunity to go to college already paid for is a blessing,” said Coach Jones. “Him getting signed and getting to be a part of signing day was motivation for the younger group to get them motivated as well.”
Ray was accepted with a 2.5 grade point average and will be able to attend at no cost due to his academic and athletic ability.
His full commitment to football, where he took part as cornerback, led him to further his athleticism into a college setting. He ultimately decided on Maryville among the many different colleges wanting to recruit him.
“He had several offers, but this one made the most sense for him and his family. I think he made a great life choice,” stated Coach Jones.
Any sports fan has a player they look up to for inspiration, Former Football Athlete Kameron Chancellor is an inspiration to Ray. He is not a Seahawks fan, but he enjoyed watching Chancellor’s plays and determination to continue working hard. It encouraged him to become a better player himself. Ray is most proud of Central’s win in the regional championship his junior year during the 2018 season.
“Getting some wins and winning championships felt great. We came close to the regional championship [this year]. I feel like we could’ve done it this year, we just didn’t have the players,” Ray stated.
Ray plans to pursue a career in engineering; he has already begun to experiment in that field by attending the new Harrison Bay Future Ready Institute, meant for those willing to continue their education in the field of technology.