Skyhawks flying to next level
~February 12, 2008~
Story and Photos by Mike Maddock

Hammond's Stone Pinckney signs with Northwestern as (l- r) his father Michael and mother Sharon look on with Hammond head football coach Erik Kimrey.

Hammond Head Coach Erik Kimrey had 10 seniors on this year's two- time SCISA 3A state championship team, now three of those seniors will play college ball. Kimrey said, "It's a big day for this school, but more importantly it's a big day for these kids."

It's the second time in as many years Hammond School has sent three prospects to the next level. Last year it was Carter Scott, Tyler Bailey, and Rashad Ishmael. This year it's Stone Pinckney, Steven Harvin, and Josh Walters.

According to Kimrey, Pinckney, who is headed to Northwestern University, is the first Hammond School graduate to sign with a major division one program in 30 years. Pinckney led Hammond with 161 tackles in 2007. He had 20 tackles- for- loss, nine sacks, and one interception. Pinckney was also on the Hammond Honor Roll all four years of high school. He sent tapes of himself to Northwestern and was offered a scholarship. He chose Northwestern because of its academic reputation and plans to major in broadcast journalism. Coaches say Pinckney has a good chance to get early playing time. He looks forward to the challenge of playing Big Ten competition. His mother Sharon joked she may have to get a job with the airlines so she and his father Michael can make it to all the games.

Hammond's Steven Harvin signs with Presbyterian College. (l- r) Harvin's parents Lee and Lynn Harvin and his sister Claire join him.

Defensive back and three- year starter Steven Harvin is headed to Presbyterian College. The first- team all- state selection chose P.C. because he felt comfortable with the coaching staff and liked the spiritual aspect of the campus as well as the balance stressed between academics and athletics. P.C. coaches say he could help immediately on defense next season.

On a side note, Harvin is also a stand- out on the Hammond basketball team. He guaranteed the Skyhawks would return to the state championship game this year for another shot at Pinewood Prep.

Hammond's Josh Walters signs with Campbell University. His father Marick Walters and mother Joyce Walters join him.

Josh Walters had four interceptions this year for Hammond at defensive back and plans to bring his skills to Campbell University next year.

Coaches at Campbell admired his ability to play man- to- man defense and his aggressiveness. They said Walters has a good chance to start as a freshman. Like Harvin, Walters is also on the basketball team.