REHOBETH | RICKEY STOKES NEWS
Rehobeth High School senior Gabriel Mendez is taking the next step in his academic and athletic journey after signing to play college football at Maryville College in Tennessee.
During a signing celebration Thursday night attended by an overflow crowd of supporters, Gabriel was recognized not only for his accomplishments on the field, but also for the character and values that helped guide him along the way.
His father, Chris Mendez, told those gathered that several years ago Gabriel came to him with a desire to play football. Chris said he and his wife made a promise to support that dream as long as Gabriel continued handling life’s responsibilities first.
Since then, Chris said Gabriel has kept his priorities in order — placing faith, family, future, and football, with football being the least important of the four.
Gabriel signed with Maryville College, a historic school in the Smoky Mountains that was established in 1918. He was also awarded the Covenant Stone Scholarship, an honor named after the campus Covenant Stone, which represents the school’s commitment to scholarship, respect, integrity, and service.
“I want to thank all my friends for their support,” Gabriel said during the ceremony, while also giving special recognition to his coaches at Rehobeth High School.
According to a media statement, Mendez had an impressive senior season for the Rebels. He recorded six sacks, 60 tackles — including 26 solo tackles and 34 assists — along with one touchdown reception, two blocked field goals, and one blocked punt.
