It was all smiles at the Mineola schools administration building Wednesday as Dawson Pendergrass signed his acceptance contract of a full athletic scholarship to Baylor University. Family, friends, coaches and teammates gathered to witness the event and share in this remarkable accomplishment.

“This is the culmination of a dream,” Pendergrass stated, “and I am looking forward to becoming a Baylor Bear.”

Mineola athletic director Luke Blackwell opened the event by recounting some of his favorite memories of Pendergrass’ contributions on the field of play.

“Everyone can see that this young man is an amazing athlete,” Blackwell explained, “but what makes him special is an incredibly-developed sense of competitiveness.”

Those comments were echoed by head basketball coach Ryan Steadman, “Dawson is one of the most coachable athletes I have ever known…. He gives his best every single day.”

Behind the amazing statistics tallied by Pendergrass on the field of play were two consistent themes: competitiveness and character. Listening to the comments of his parents, William and Christie Pendergrass, it is clear that those two qualities started at home. 

“We always told him that he had to love what he did, and with that, you had to work – work hard – at whatever that was,” William stated.

Christie continued, “He always had that work ethic,” she remarked, “but it is character that is the most important thing.”

William explained that it was the character shown by the coaches from Baylor University which weighted the decision to head to Waco. 

In addition to his family, Pendergrass also expressed thanks for his experience at Mineola schools. He noted that coming to Mineola was a humbling experience, which made him grow and become the man he is today.  

Blackwell summed up the event, “Dawson, we are proud of you, we love you, and we are excited for you.”