Early signing day around the country for college football recruits brought a major signing to Cape Central High School. Jathan Spain signed on Wednesday, Dec. 3, to continue his football career as a tight end at cross-town Southeast Missouri State.
Part of a legendary corps that brought two semifinals to the school and a newfound culture of winning, Spain seemed beyond excited to make his signing official after committing as a Redhawk four months prior.
“It’s a really exciting day,” Spain said. “I’ve had to look forward to this day for a while now, but I also treat it like another day.
“I’ll keep working hard to get ready for next year.”
Spain’s work ethic is something that’s made him an all-around threat across three sports and multiple different positions at that. On the football field, he’s played quarterback, tight end, defensive line, special teams, you name it.
In basketball, he’s tasked with being a key depth post because of his strong build and length, while on the baseball team, he’s one of the most reliable pitchers that the Tigers have to offer when he’s healthy.
Talking about his presence as an athlete, head football coach Kent Gibbs had plenty to say about the skill that Spain will bring to the table as a SEMO Redhawk.
“He did a great job for us,” Gibbs said. “He was able to get healthy and have a great senior year, and here we are, getting a chance to watch him develop more at SEMO with coach Matukewicz and the things that they do with young men.