By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON — Four Ruston High seniors were celebrated Monday as they signed to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level, highlighting both individual achievement and the collective effort behind their success.
Ruston High head football coach Jerrod Baugh said the moment reflects the strength of the school’s programs and support system.
“It’s always a special day anytime we have student-athletes that use their abilities to further their academic careers,” Baugh said. “It’s a testament not only to their skills, but the programs, families, coaches and teachers who helped them get to this point.”
The signing class included Journi Douglas (track and field, Grambling State Tigers), Alex Hunt (football, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets), Trindon Moore (football, Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes) and AJ Wilson (cross country, Shelton State Buccaneers).
Douglas, who will compete in throws at Grambling State, has developed into one of the area’s top athletes, finishing as a state runner-up and going undefeated this outdoor season in discus and shot put.
Ruston assistant coach Tripp Marcus said Douglas has helped elevate the program.
“She sets the tone,” Marcus said. “She works hard, and when it’s time to compete, she knows how to flip that switch. That’s something you can’t coach.”
Douglas said her decision to attend Grambling State was influenced by the program’s direction and her long-term goals.
“I feel like the new coach has really improved the throwing program, and I’ve seen a lot of progress,” Douglas said. “I feel like coming in as a freshman, already knowing how to throw, he’ll help me a lot.”
Douglas plans to study kinesiology with hopes of staying involved in sports.
“I want to coach in some type of sport,” Douglas said. “I’d really enjoy coaching.”
Hunt’s signing carries added significance as he continues a family connection to Georgia Tech that spans generations. He’ll be the fifth member in successive generations to be a student-athlete for the Yellow Jackets.
Baugh said Hunt’s versatility made him a key contributor during his time at Ruston.
“He’s been valuable for us in multiple phases,” Baugh said. “And he’ll be a great representation of his family, our school and everyone who helped him get here.”
Hunt said both the academic reputation and personal connections made Georgia Tech the right choice.
“The education there is pretty hard to beat,” Hunt said. “It’s a very good business school, and the people are amazing.”
Hunt added that conversations with current players helped solidify his decision.
“I talked to a punter there who used to walk on, and he had all good things to say about it,” Hunt said. “He was a really great guy, both in his faith and just a hard worker. It was a pretty obvious choice.”
Hunt plans to major in general business before narrowing his focus.
“Probably toward the middle of my freshman year, I’ll narrow it down to accounting or finance,” Hunt said.
Moore, who signed with Kansas Wesleyan, earned his opportunity through steady effort and reliability throughout his career.
Ruston assistant coach Jacob Martin said Moore’s consistency defined his time in the program.
“Consistency is the word,” Martin said. “Good day or bad day, he showed up and put in the work. That’s why he’s earned this opportunity.”
Moore said the recruiting process made his decision clear.
“Mainly because that’s where I feel like they wanted me the most,” Moore said. “They heavily recruited me and felt like I’d be a good fit there.”
He plans to study sports management and hopes to remain in athletics after his playing career.
“I’ll possibly be going into coaching after football,” Moore said.
Wilson will continue his distance running career at Shelton State after competing in cross country and track for Ruston.
Head cross country coach Dustin Cochran praised Wilson’s consistency and attitude.
“He comes in with a smile, works hard every day and has been one of the best kids to come through our program,” Cochran said.
Wilson said the environment at Shelton State made it feel like the right place.
“I trust Shelton State because of the community,” Wilson said. “It seemed really nice. Overall, it just felt right.”
He plans to study digital and character design.
