Heath Dickey (seated) signed a letter of intent to play for the Hoyas of Georgetown Univeristy in Washington, D.C. Dickey, a lineman for the statefinalist Guard, is flanked by his mother and father, Paul and Linda Dickey (left) and Brook Hill coaches and staff. (Banner Staff Photo by Don Treul) Brook Hill Head Coach Terry Pirtle said it succinctly, “We have 50 percent of our seniors going to D-1 (Division 1) schools.”

Granted, Brook Hill’s senior class on the gridiron was likely smaller than most area schools, with only four players in the classification.

Nonetheless, observers consider it quite an accomplishment to have two players sign letters of intent to attend college or a university, regardless of the number of players on the squad.

At a signing ceremony held at the Kyle Lake Athletic Center at the Brook Hill campus Thursday, Feb. 4, Heath Dickey and Jeremy Chappelle signed letters of intent to attend colleges in Texas and in the nation’s capitol.

Jeremy Chappell (seated) signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play for the Lumberjacks of Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. Witnessing his signature were Brook Hill Head Coach Terry Pritle, left, and his mother, Veronica Hunter. (Banner Staff Photo by Don Treul) Dickey signed with Georgetown University, while Chappelle signed with Stephens F. Austin University.

“This is special,” Pirtle said. “Because it’s the culmination of coming here to be the head coach, the new facility; it’s the perfect storm.”

Dickey hopes to launch a career in law and, perhaps later, politics.

“I wanted to get into politics,” Dickey said. “They have a great law program there.”

When asked why he didn’t look more closely at Texas universities that offer law programs, Dickey, who played as an offensive guard and a defensive tackle and has a 3.86 cumulative grade point average, said he believes he will eventually make East Texas his home.

“But I had to go out and see the world,” he added.

Georgetown University is just across the Virginia state line, in Washington, D.C.

“I’m excited,” said his father Paul Dickey. “His mother and I worried his whole life about getting him to college. He’s earned this opportunity and we’re very proud of him.”

Chappelle will attend college a little closer to home.

“I liked everything about it,” Chappelle said of the Stephen F. Austin campus. “I liked the coaches and the players, everything.”

Chappelle, who likely will play as an outside or wide receiver, has a goal.

“I want to set records and get a ring,” he said.

Chappelle’s mother, Veronica Hunter, who was in the large crowd gathered at Kyle Lake Athletic Center to witness the signing of the two players, was beaming when her son signed his letter.

“I’m excited and very proud,” she said. “I’m happy that he’s getting to play on the next level.”

Stephen F. Austin University is in the Division I, FCS Southland Conference with six other teams. The Lumberjacks shared the conference crown in 2009, and advanced to the second level of the playoffs, finishing with a 10-3 record.

Georgetown University is in the Division I, FCS Patriot Conference. The Hoyas posted an 0-11 record in 2009. Pirtle said the signings were a statement of excellence of the Brook Hill program and of the coaches as good leaders.

With Chappelle and Dickey flanking him, Pirtle addressed the juniors on this year’s team.

“This is you in 365 days if you work hard,” he said.