Kyle Lovern
Sports Editor
GOODY, Ky. – Belfry senior Tony Messer had a dream to play Division One college football. On national signing day Wednesday afternoon he saw that dream come to fruition as he signed a letter of intent with Eastern Kentucky University.
Messer signed during a ceremony held in the Belfry High School library in front of family, the BHS coaching staff and several teammates.
Messer was named as a first team all-state linebacker by the Louisville Courier Journal. He was also an all-district selection. The 6-foot-5, 230 pound Messer played tight end on offense and also defensive end for the Belfry Pirates.
“I really like it there when I went on my visits,” Messer said. “I got to know the coaching staff and think I’ll fit in real well down there.”
Messer is expected to play tight end for the Colonels. He said he needs to work on his speed and strength, but hopes to get plenty of playing time in the future at EKU.
He said the recruiting process was “stressful,” but he had made his decision about three weeks ago.
“Playing at Belfry should get me ready for their system,” Messer said. “At Belfry I liked to run block and catch the ball some.”
The big tight end expects to fill the same role at EKU.
“He is a natural blocker who can also catch the football,” said BHS coach Philip Haywood. “We were glad to have him at Belfry High School. I think he’ll do well at Eastern.”
Messer had 82 tackles this past season and three sacks for the Class 3A runner-up Pirates. He also caught 13 passes for three touchdowns in Belfry’s heavy running oriented offense. Messer was an excellent blocker from his end position. He caught a TD pass in the state championship game against Central High School of Louisville.
Messer is also a standout on the Pirate’s basketball team. He averages a double-double for coach Randy Casey.
He reportedly has several scholarship offers. Messer had gotten letters from several Division One colleges including Louisville, West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and Western Kentucky.
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