Troup's Hearon, Lovelady and Blanton ink with McMurry University
Feb. 8—TROUP — McMurry University (NCAA Division III, American Southwest Conference), located in Abilene, hit the trifecta Wednesday by receiving letters of intent from three student-athletes from Troup High School.
The War Hawk football team garnered the services of Grayson Hearon and Ty Lovelady, while the McMurry volleyball squad picked up Bailey Blanton.
In 11 games last season, Hearon completed 151 of 226 pass attempts for 2,635 yards as the Tiger quarterback. He tossed 41 touchdown strikes while giving up just four interceptions.
Lovelady, a two-way starter for Troup, had 29 grabs for 432 yards and scored seven touchdowns as a wide receiver. In 11 games at safety, Lovelady collected 100 tackles (54 solo) for head coach Sam Wells' Tigers.
Hearon and Lovelady were voted to the All-16-3A-II team as first team selections. Lovelady was chosen as both a wide receiver and safety.
McMurry went 6-4 and 4-3 in ASC play last season.
Blanton has won countless awards as a four-year member of the Lady Tiger volleyball team. Her list of prep accolades was capped off by being voted to the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State team where she was named to the third team as a middle blocker.
Blanton, who was coached by Arden Johnson, had an impressive senior campaign. She produced 341 kills, 62 aces, 35 blocks, 312 digs and 39 assists.
McMurry Volleyball ended the 2023 season with a 2-24 overall record and went 1-14 in ASC play.
