Mother: Mya Walker, Grandfather, Donald Walker. 

U’Maree’s favorite teacher at Grand Rapids Christian is Mrs. Worden and his favorite football memory is the field goal he booted against Union earlier this season. The best part of Eagle football for U’Maree has been hanging out with friends and he would like to thank his family for supporting throughout high school. U’Maree plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College next year to study Sports Management.

#2 Aaron Gholston

Parents: Myesha Melvin-Gholston and Rev. Dr. Willie A. Gholston II. 

Mr. Heeres is Aaron’s favorite teacher because there is never a dull moment in his class. Aaron’s favorite football memories are scoring 4 touchdowns in the homecoming game this year and the talks with Coach Heeres after Wednesday team dinners. Aaron has loved the brotherhood of Eagle football, the drive he shares with his teammates to improve each day, and the lifelong friends he has created. To his parents, Aaron would like to say, “Thank you for always showing up and supporting me through all the ups and downs, and for encouraging me to do my best.” Aaron hopes to play football and run track in college next year.

#3 Tyler “TD” Davis

Parents: Tyrone and Juanita Davis. 

Tyler’s favorite teacher is Mr. Mosterd because, in Tyler’s words: “he challenges me but also understands me.”  TD’s favorite football memory is catching his first high school touchdown against South this year, and he loves the brotherhood and the community of the football team. Tyler’s advice to younger players is to, “Always let God direct your path and trust your brothers.” Tyler would like to thank his parents for pushing him out of his comfort zone and preparing him for life. Next year, TD plans to study broadcasting and play basketball in college.

#4 Nasir Zimmerman

Mother: Laila McCloud. 

Nasir’s favorite teacher is Mr. Tuit because “he challenges me to be my best.” Nasir’s favorite memory from his time in the football program is flipping the paddle boats at team camp his junior year. Nasir would like to encourage the younger players to remember to have fun and he would like to thank his mom for helping him get up on the mornings that he didn’t want to. Nasir plans to attend college next year to study computer science.

#6 Ben Toly

Parents, Noah and Becky Toly. 

Mr. Warners is Ben’s favorite teacher because he tells a lot of funny stories. Ben’s best football memory is scoring his first varsity touchdown last year against South Christian. Ben loves the bond that grows between players throughout the season and wants to encourage the younger players to work as hard as they can and enjoy playing with their friends. To his parents, Ben would like to say, “Thank you for being so invested in the team and for supporting me through injuries. Next year, Ben plans to go to college to major in business and play football.

#9 Will Owens

Mother: Mary Watts, Mentors: Becky and Jon Kok 

Will’s favorite teacher is Mr. Tuit because he saw Will for who he truly is, not just as a class clown. Will fondly remembers freestyling in the back of the bus with the seniors when he was a freshman, and has loved the Eagle football culture and the standard we are building. Will would like to encourage the younger players to take their development seriously and to stay locked in. To his mom, Will says, “Thank you for sacrificing so much to see me excel.” And to the Koks, he shares, “Thank you for bringing me into your home and bringing me so far.” After graduation, Will plans to pursue a career as a firefighter.

#15 Jake Rodenhouse

Parents: Amber and Dan Rodenhouse

For his favorite teacher, Jake listed Mr. Warners because he is a great teacher and funny. Team camp at Little Pine Island is Jake’s favorite football memory and he has enjoyed the process of getting better at football skills like route running and catching. Jake advises younger players to, “Do all reps to your max, full effort and take no breaks.” Jake would like to thank his parents for letting him play and for supporting him along the way. 

#22 Tony Phillips

Parents: Tony Sr. and Lashonda Phillips, Brother: Larry Phillips. 

Mrs. Kissinger is Tony’s favorite teacher because of her support and helping him to be his best academically. Tony’s favorite football memory is going up north for the senior retreat where the guys got to fish and bond as a senior class. Tony loves the brotherhood he has with the football team and encourages younger players to stay focused, play to the standard, and “when you get knocked down, get back up.” Tony would like to thank his parents for supporting him and pushing him to a high standard. Next year, Tony plans to attend college to study nursing and play football.

#55 Trevor Moore

Parents: Jessica and Tyler Palmer

Trevor’s favorite teacher is Coach Kenney because you can talk with him about football in class. As a favorite memory of Eagle football, Trevor cited all the fun times hanging out on bus and car rides to team camps and competitions. Trevor loves his boys on the O and D line and encourages the younger players to, “Keep playing, and recruit all your friends!” Trevor is grateful to his parents for always being positive, no matter how he plays, and for supporting him at every game.

#75 Cameron Morgan

Parents: Samone Yvette Morgan and David Lee Morgan

Mr. Mosterd is Cam’s favorite teacher because of his passion for his job and the love he shows every day. Cam’s favorite football memory is the car ride home from the Mona Shores lineman challenge last summer where they laughed for an hour straight. Cam appreciates the love from those around him in the football program and the meaningful relationships he has formed with his teammates each year - he loves that there is a sense of brotherhood everywhere. To his parents, Cam says, “Thank you for always loving and supporting me on my football journey; I love you both dearly.” Cam plans to study sports medicine and play football next year in college.

We are very proud of this group of 10 seniors for the work they put in to build a strong foundation for Eagle football! They have navigated a lot of change within the program over their 4 years at GRC, and through it all they stayed together and kept us moving in the right direction. We are so thankful for their toughness, persistence, and leadership - all of which will carry them to good things as they close this chapter and continue to walk the path God has laid out for each of them! Thank you seniors, and Go Eagles!