The Lake View Wild Gators’ Benji Kelly and Frederick W. Reaves inked to play at the next level in football at Methodist University on Thursday, May 9, at the Lake View Media Center in Lake View.
Kelly was influenced most in the sport of football by his Father.
Although having played only 4 years at Lake View, Kelly excelled in football as a running back, the same position he expects to play while at Methodist University.
Methodist University is not only close to Kelly’s home town but it is also a small university that makes playing there even better for him.
The atmosphere there is conducive to that of Lake View.
Kelly has always received a thrill playing under the Friday night lights and is assured that will be the case at Methodist University where he will major in computer science.
The hard work ethic and integrity that have been traits of Kelly’s for years will help him to produce at Methodist University. He looks forward to not only excelling at football but in his studies as well.
While at Lake View, Kelly received awards such as Player of The Week, All-State Offense, and All-Rookie Team.
Hopefully in Kelly’s spare time, if any, he will devote that to fishing and riding 4-wheelers, both pastimes that he has enjoyed for some time.
Sandra Kelly and Danny Campbell, parents of Benji, are very proud of their son and his accomplishments on and off the field. Both exclaimed, We are so excited for Benji and look forward to his accomplishments in the future. We are thankful for his opportunity to further his education while pursuing his dream.”
Benji expressed his sincere thanks for the coaching staff at Lake View. He appreciates the efforts made by the coaching staff at Lake View: Head Coach Daryl King and assistant coaches Johnny Dew, Larry Inman, Jeffery Ceaser, Andy Ford, Kip Herlong, and Cloey Ford.
Reaves looks forward to also playing football at the next level. He has been enjoying the game since he played 11-12 rec football. He, too, was most influenced by his father in the sport of football. His father encouraged him to never give up and to always do his best.
He eagerly awaits his opportunity to fit into the football program as a safety at Methodist University that should be like “a home away from home.” He loves the atmosphere and the coaching staff there. Reaves will major in computer science at Methodist University.
As hobbies, Reaves enjoys playing 2K and working at the rec. He also enjoys basketball, another sport he played at Lake View.
While at Lake View, he received some school awards of which he is proud.
He is grateful for the opportunity he has to pursue his dream and further his education.
He is thankful for all of the time that the coaching staff in Lake View has given him during his career. He will take that knowledge and his work ethic with him to Methodist University.
Lake View head football Coach Daryl King stated, “We wish both of these young men the best as they pursue their education and their future career in football at the next level. We have worked hard to instill that hard work will help you succeed and both of you have done that at Lake View”
Lake View principal Edison Arnette also extended best wishes for a successful football future.