Keoni Parks, left, and Joshua Burks sign athletic scholarships at a ceremony at James Clemens April 16. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – As their senior years wind down, two student-athletes from James Clemens High School held a ceremony on April 16 to celebrate their intentions to further their respective athletic careers.

Keoni Parks will attend Marion Military Institute on a wrestling scholarship, and track-and-field athlete Joshua Burks signed papers to make it official with Auburn University.

“I always say that the best thing for you as an athlete is for someone to pay you to attend their school,” James Clemens principal Brian Clayton said in the ceremony’s introductions.

After playing as a left fielder in baseball for much of his high school career, Burks recently switched to track and excelled with the Jets and coach Drew Bell.

“This is the first major signing we’ve had since Leila [Elliott, who signed with UAB],” Bell said. “This is just the tip of the iceberg for us.”

Burks expressed gratitude for finding a college – and sport – to stay involved in after high school.

“It’s just really been an emotional ride,” Burks said.

Parks didn’t wrestle due to his being 19 his senior year. His high school coach, George Cruz, remarked how impressive it is that despite that obstacle, he was still able to nab an athletic scholarship.

“I just want to say thank you, to all my friends and family, for being there for me,” Parks said.

Parks’ signing came after T.J. Edwards, who won a state wrestling title in the 182-pound division and signed with St. Catharine College in March.