Bates signs to continue athletic career

    Edna senior Marquis Bates signed with Sam Houston State University to play college football. At 6'4 his height could've been a help or a hindrance, and Marquis capitalized on it, stretching his body to make receptions in football games that always caused fans to rise up in the stands. Originally he was committed to play at Texas State, but things changed.
    "The coaches offered me a gray shirt at Texas State and I wasn’t too happy with it so I went and looked at other colleges. They offered me a full ride to Sam Houston last week when I visited so I went with them," he said.
    As for the change in setting, Marquis feels good about it. "I’m looking forward to a better college experience, I feel like I’ll fit in better there because their offense fits me."
    Edna Athletic Director Huey Chancellor said during his initial interviews a couple of years ago he ran into Marquis on campus and said he was impressive just with the eye test. "The people walking me around campus said he had potential to be something special and we saw that early on. We were very excited he made a commitment to improving himself and went to work in the classroom and on the field. He improved year to year, week to week and day to day on the field and it ended up paying off for him, he had several opportunities and had to decide where he wanted to go and he also because one of our big leaders," Chancellor said. "His work ethic and what he did on the field not only as a receiver by catching and making some big plays but he was also a tremendous blocker for us. He's very valuable to us, and I appreciate what he’s done."
    Catherine Dilworth, Marquis' guardian, said having him sign is really great, and she is so very proud and excited for him. "I can't wait to see him out on the field," she said. "When he was little he was really active so once he started playing in the little league and football stuff it got in my mind that he can become something, that was when I knew."
    "I never thought I'd have an opportunity to go to college when I was young, it feels good to be able to do that," Marquis said.
    Coach Craig Nairn, offensive coordinator, said Marquis had a good transition and maturity level out on the field, starting offensively and defensively. "He made a lot of plays defensively and then offensively he was our go-to guy. He had 22 receptions and six of those were touchdowns, and when a third of your reception end up in points that's a big deal. He matured a lot for us, he was a leader for us, he was voted one of the team captains and the kids look up to him. He wasn't somebody who hid in the back, he went and did things and got things done."
    Marquis will head out to Hunstville directly after graduation to start training and conditioning to play in the fall football season.
    During his speech on National Signing Day at the Edna dome gym on Feb. 3, Chancellor explained how proud he was at sending someone like Marquis to college and represent Edna. "We're very proud to have the opportunity to send him off to the next level to continue his education and continue to play ball and continue to represent Edna High School," he said, and reminded his players what it can feel out there in a college atmosphere alone.
    "It's not just you, it may feel like just you, but anytime you go out you representing this community, this school, this family, this coaching staff, you represent all of us. I want to wish the best of luck and I want you to keep that in your mind when you go off to school that you are still a part of this family, I want to remind you you're always welcome to come back. When you do come back to town make sure you come and see us and I wish you the best of luck."