Perry High School sends seven athletes to the NCAA

PERRY — Seven more Panthers are leaving the Pit after Wednesday’s signing day — which featured athletes from four different sports.

Athletic director Arthur Billings opened the ceremony with an enthusiastic ‘Welcome to the Panther Pit!’ that garnered cheers and applause from students and families in the crowd.

Here’s who the Panthers are sending off to college:

Miles Jones, Baseball — RHP, Middle Georgia State University

Head baseball coach Denny Bryant introduced both of his players by thanking all of the family, teachers, coaches and staff that have helped not just the baseball program, but Jones (and Carson Shaw) advance their academic and athletic careers.

Jones is currently anchoring a pitching rotation that has the Panthers sitting at 19-2 on the season, and he’s 6-0 as a starter. He also received an All-Region selection in 2023.

Carson Shaw, Baseball — Catcher, Georgia Southwestern State University

Shaw will take his talents to Americus, where GSW is the defending Peach Belt Conference champions.

Bryant shared a message from the head baseball coach at GSW, Josh McDonald, that called Shaw a great defensive catcher. Shaw had an All-Region selection in 2023.

Blayson Jordan, Wrestling, West Virginia Institute of Technology

Head wrestling coach Evan Jones introduced Jordan and commended him for his amazing work not only on the mat, but off of it.

Jordan was the September Student of the Month, an Honorable Student for all four years, the Kiwanis Scholar Athlete, the 2023 MVP Wrestler, had 15 first-place finishes in the last two seasons among other awards.

Donovan Funsch, Football — Tight End, Georgia State University

Funsch was a pass catcher and long snapper for the Panthers this year. He finished the season with five receptions for 48 yards, including two touchdowns.

He also received an All-Region First Team selection two years in a row.

Isaiah Vance, Football — Tackle, Brevard College

Head football coach Kevin Smith acknowledged how important Vance’s efforts were on the offensive line, helping the Panthers rush for over 2800 yards this season.

Vance is one of two athletes leaving the state.

Quentin Askin, Football — Defensive Tackle, LaGrange College

Askin was a three-year starter for the Panthers. Smith called him a leader on the offensive side of the ball; Askin switched between offensive and defensive lines.

Aaron Stocks, Golf, Savannah State University

Head golf coach Tyler Rodgers 2021-2022 Individual Area Champion, 2022-2023 Individual County Champion, two top-10 finishes in 4A State Championship Tournament in 2021 and 2022 among other accomplishments.

On behalf of the Houston Home Journal, congratulations to all of these athletes!