Madison Academy National Signing Day

MADISON- Two of the players who made up the backbone of the physical aspects of the Madison Academy Mustangs football have signed athletic scholarships and did so on the 2019 National Signing Day.

Offensive lineman Tex Bailey chose Eastern Kentucky and Daniel Brent decided on University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and both signed their scholarships before a large crowd of family and friends during a signing ceremony at the school.

“I felt closest with the coaches and it was a tight race between Eastern Kentucky and Austin Peay,” said Bailey, who is expected to play offensive tackle for the Colonels with the possibility to move to the guard position. “I started with flag football at age four and since joining Madison Academy this has been a defining part of my life. The last four years on varsity, I’ve grown as a person.”

“God opened the door for me as I prayed to have God make it clear for me in my choice on college,” said Brent, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound running back/linebacker for the Mustangs, but will be used as a linebacker and nickel position with the Mocs, which play in the Southern Conference of the NCAA Div. I. “UT-Chattanooga came in late in my recruiting giving me an offer two weeks ago.”

Brent first attended Madison Academy in the sixth grade with the purpose of playing football. The only child of David and Juanetta Brent had eight offers overall after completing his senior season. He played both offense and defense for the Mustangs and was selected team captain.

“I’m blessed to be offered a scholarship with a chance to earn a degree,” added Brent.

For Bailey, the 6-4, 300-pound athlete is the son of Bill and Deborah Bailey. He recently won the Class 4-5A state championships in the shot put at the Indoor State Track Championships and has competed in the state gathering each of his four years in varsity athletics at Madison Academy.

Bailey also suffers from Rhabdomyolysis, a syndrome that affects muscles, as well as, the function of the kidneys. He has to stay hydrated at all times to fight his condition and his diligence in doing so has kept him on the high competitive level in sports.

“I look forward to playing at Eastern Kentucky as I’ll play wherever they need me to be,” added Bailey.

Brent will study political science while Bailey will work his way to earn a degree in kinesiology. Together on the Mustangs’ varsity they have helped the team post a 39-12 record including a state runner-up spot in 2016.