APA has five players commit to colleges Thursday

From left, Arendell Parrott Academy’s John Harvey Turner, Shyire Thompson, Devin Gaskill, Gabe Braswell and Marquise Loftin-Myers made their college decisions Thursday. In football, Braswell is heading to Western Carolina to be a preferred walk-on and Loftin-Myers is heading to Methodist University, in lacrosse, Gaskill is Mars Hill bound with Turner going to William Peace, and Thompson will join Turner at the school after garnering a baseball scholarship. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

Arendell Parrott Academy had a very eventful signing day Thursday with five seniors committing to schools in three different sports.

Gabe Braswell, Devin Gaskill, Marquise Loftin-Myers, Shyire Thompson and John Harvey Turner made their decisions known after strong careers with the Patriots. In football, Braswell is heading to Western Carolina to be a preferred walk-on and Loftin-Myers is heading to Methodist University, in lacrosse, Gaskill is Mars Hill bound with Turner going to William Peace, and Thompson will join Turner at the school after garnering a baseball scholarship.

APA football coach Matt Beaman had high praise for Braswell and Myers, who were stalwarts on the team.

“They were our two middle linebackers and we put together our defense based on their abilities,” Beaman said. “They’re two hard-working individuals and really gave their all to the program.”

Braswell, who plans to study sports medicine at Western Carolina, said it felt like a good fit for him.

“They showed me a lot of interest and when I went to visit, I liked the campus and coaches,” Braswell said. “I learned at Parrott how to just be myself — I came here as a sophomore and had to adjust, and it’s worked out.”

Loftin-Myers plans to major in sports science at Methodist and will bring the knowledge of both 8-man and 11-man football with him to Fayetteville. The linebacker transferred to APA this season from North Lenoir.

“I thought Methodist was a nice school, the small class size was great, going there helped with money and I really like the program,” Loftin-Myers said. “Playing at North Lenoir, I really learned the physical aspect and developed my skill set, and at Parrott I was really able to show my drive and motor. I’m thankful for both schools.”

Thompson also played baseball at Kinston High, transferring to Parrott his junior year. APA coach Robert Kravitz said Thompson has been a big factor for the team over the past two seasons.

“He provided a lot of athleticism and has grown as a player,” Kravitz said. “He’s improved defensively and offensively, and was a great addition to our program — not only was he great on the football team, but he’s a wonderful student in the classroom.”

Thompson looks to major in biology at William Peace and said the school was his best option.

“I enjoyed the campus and felt like it was a good fit,” Thompson said. “I learned a lot here at Parrott, especially to never give up when the going gets tough. I feel like William Peace will help me out both academically and athletically, so I’m ready.”

In lacrosse, Patriots coach Gordon Churchill said Gaskill and Turner made significant contributions.

“John Harvey had been through this program from the start and was our leader on this team,” Churchill said. “Devin was sensational in faceoffs, and made us believe we could match up with anyone with his ability to get the ball.”

Gaskill, who is looking to study business, said was excited to come to Mars Hill.

“Everyone was really nice to me when I came out to visit during my overnight stay,” Gaskill said. “The coaches are new, I liked what they’re trying to do and wanted to be a part of the program.”

Turner plans to study sports and fitness, and said location played a significant role in his decision.

“It was a good opportunity to come to Raleigh and live in the city,” Turner said. “I definitely like the coach there and believe this is a great opportunity.”