Four Grain Valley students sign National Letters of Intent Friday

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News


As parents, family members, friends and teammates gathered in the new Grain Valley High School field house Friday morning, activities director Brandon Hart paid tribute to four members of the Eagles 2025 Spring National Signing Day.

Cate Barnes, who will play tennis at Southwestern Illinois University; Kevin Johnson, basketball at Central Methodist University; Colston Parks, wrestling at Ottawa University; and Adalia Del Real, wrestling at Pella College all signed their letters to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.

“I am very proud of all our students who are signing this morning,” Hart said, “and I am proud of their parents and family members who made financial and time commitments to help them take part in the signing ceremony.

“Their families have made a commitment to these student/athletes much like they have made to achieve success in the classroom and in their respective sports, and I believe that should be recognized.”

Barnes, who started playing tennis as a youngster in coach Randy Draper's Parks and Recreation classes, has been a part of four conference championship teams, three district title winners and has played for the Eagles fourth, third and second-place state teams.

She was 23-1 this season in doubles and shared The Examiner's Player of the Year award with doubles teammate Brooklyn Spencer.

“We made a trip to Southern Illinois and I felt at home,” Barnes said. “There was a family feel to the team and I really liked the coaches and players. Being a senior, I experienced a lot of emotions this season and this morning – signing my letter – makes it all seem real.

“I may never love another tennis team and coach like Coach (Randy) Draper, I am looking forward to new challenges.”

Johnson, who will take his basketball talent to Central Methodist played just one season for the Eagles because he was a home-schooled student.

“I came to school on the fourth block every day this season and that allowed me to play basketball,” Johnson said. “This has been one of the best experiences of my life and I'm looking forward to attending Central Methodist.”

Assistant coach Ryan Adams praised Johnson, as head coach Randy Draper was out of town with his tennis team.

“When Kevin started going to school here, me made an immediate impact in the paint,” Adams said of the towering center. “He loved to be coached and deserves a chance to play college basketball.”

Wrestling coach Donnie Horner lauded the success of Del Real and Parks.

“Colton's time in our program has been amazing,” the coach said, “and he has grown in so many ways. The springs of his freshman year he stood 5-foot-1 and weighed 105 pounds.

“Now, he towers over me and weighs about 150 pounds. But, he has grown in more than physical stature.
“He has gone from a kid that some may have overlooked to an incredible leader.”

Horner praised Parks' leadership skills and his love of coaching young wrestlers.

“Colston spent countless hours with our Grain Valley Youth Wrestling team. He has given our young wrestlers a great example of what it means to be an Eagle.”

Parks, who now stands 5-11, praised the Eagles program after signing his national letter.

“Coach Horner always believed in me,” Parks said, “and I'm happy that I was able to grow and become a part of our team. I have great memories and am looking forward to wrestling in college.”

Horner said Del Real made an immediate impact when she moved to Grain Valley from Indiana.

“She didn't just join the wrestling team, she redefined it,” Horner said. “She joined a team with very few ladies on it and through her hard work and dedication to our team, she played a big role in getting our team where it is now.”

Del Real praised Horner and her teammates for much of her success, as she is one of only three multiple-time state qualifiers.

“When I came here from Indiana we had two girls in the program, now we have a team with double digits and we're all so proud of Coach Horner and the success we've had the past four years.

“Coach Horner is a great coach, and he believes in all of us. I will miss this program, which is more like a family to me, and I am excited to see how I do at Ottawa.”

Grain Valley High School seniors, from left, Cate Barnes, tennis at Southwestern Illinois University; Kevin Johnson, basketball at Central Methodist University; Colston Parks, wrestling at Ottawa University; and Adalia Del Real, wrestling at Pella College signed their national letters of intent Friday morning in the Eagles new field house. Photo credit: Bill Althaus