In March, three Vernon Lion football players signed letters of intent to continue their gridiron careers at the collegiate level on scholarships.
Hyme Guzman, Taylor Maldonado and Tavares Gaines, all three-year varsity starters, helped the Lions win more games in 2022 than in their first three years of high school combined. And, that hard work to get better paid off.
Hyme, a three-year varsity starter at linebacker, signed with the Ottawa University Braves. Located in Ottawa, Kan., the university competes in the National Athletic Intercollegiate Association and is a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Hyme, who saw playing time in the offensive line and at fullback for the Lions, also participated in track during his high school career.
Vernon Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Kevin Sherrill thanked Hyme for all he has done for the VHS athletic program.
“This is one kid that when I got here, he was one of the first ones that came up, shook my hand and said, ‘Coach, I can’t wait. I can’t wait to get this thing going in the right direction,’” Coach Sherrill said. “Hyme is one of the hardest working athletes I’ve ever been around. We’re also very proud of him, and I feel very privileged to have known him and been able to coach him.”
Taylor, a three-year starter in the offensive line, signed with the McMurry University Warhawks. McMurry, located in Abilene, is an NCAA Division III school that competes in the American Southwest Conference. In high school, Taylor also played basketball and was on the track team.
Coach Sherrill, who coaches the offensive linemen, said Taylor is just now learning what he is capable of doing on a football field.
“Like Hyme, Taylor is another hard worker who was one of my mashers all year long on the offensive line. And it goes without saying that he does that very, very well because he’s going to do it at the next level,” the coach said. “Taylor has so much potential, so much potential, when it comes to what he can do on the football field. He’s just kind of realizing that right now. He’s going to get even bigger, he’s going to get stronger. I appreciate everything that he did for this football program and for the athletic program in general. I appreciate the way he conducts himself on a daily basis. Just his attitude. He was always out there with a smile on his face.”
Tavares, a starter at receiver and as a defensive back, signed with Wayland Baptist University. Wayland, located in Plainview, is an NAIA school, and the Pioneers compete in the Central States Football League.
Coach Sherrill said he expects Tavares to exceed at the next level.
“Tavares was a great young man and a great athlete,” he said. “He has unlimited potential. I know Wayland is getting a great kid and again, a great athlete. We wish him the best. I appreciate everything he has done for this athletic program. Tavares was always that kid that if we could just get the ball in his hands, we expected great things from him. So, as he proceeds to play at the next level, I know he’s going to make his mark.”