Four Central Athletes Sign Scholarships

CENTRAL — On Wednesday, Central High School honored four of its student-athletes who will have the opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers with athletic scholarships at the collegiate level.  Ashley McDowell, Tyler Abadie, Brett Courville, and Thomas Eddlemon signed their pledges at the school gym during National Signing Day.

Ashley McDowell will attend Louisiana College in the fall and be a member of the soccer team.  Ashley served as the goalkeeper for the Lady Wildcats this season and was one of the leaders in a successful season for the program.  Ashley was named 1st Team All-District Goalkeeper for her play.  She is a member of the 4-H Club and is active in riding horses.  She also shows cows and horses.  She is the recipient of the Smith Scholarship Award.  Ashley scored a 29 on the ACT.  She will major in pre-veterinary medicine.

Tyler Abadie will attend Southeastern Louisiana University in the fall and be a member of the football team.  He earned All-District honors as an offensive tackle.  He was one of the senior leaders on the offensive line this year that helped the Wildcats to a District Championship.  He is a member of Men for Others and the track team.   He scored a 25 on the ACT.  He plans to major in kinesiology.

Brett Courville will attend Arkansas Monticello University in Monticello, Ark. to play football.  As the starting quarterback, he helped guide Central to two straight District Titles.  He was named All-District, All Metro, and honorable mention All-State this past season.  Brett was the District and Metro MVP.  He is a member of the baseball team, Beta Club, and Men for Others.  Brett earned All-District and All-Metro honors in baseball.  He will major in criminal justice.

Thomas Eddlemon will attend Hendrix College in Conway, Ark,. to continue his football career.  Thomas played linebacker and was an important part of helping a young defense improve throughout the season.  He was a two-time member of the All-District teams in football, member of the All-District teams in baseball, and 5A All-State Academic Team in football and baseball.  Thomas was recognized as the LHSAA/New Orleans Saints Game of the Week Scholar Athlete for the Central vs. Denham Springs game.  He is a member of various clubs including Student Council, Beta Club, French Club, FCA, and Youth Legislature.  Thomas has received many academic honors which include Advance Honors Academic Achievement Award, Leaders Among Us Award, and French III-H Academic Achievement Award in 2012.  He achieved Top Cat Honors in 2010 and Advanced Top Cat 2011-2013.  He was nominated this school year for the WAFB Scholar Athlete and Central High Student of the Year.  He will major in mathematics and education.