Welborn, AL – Noel recovers from illnesses to get an opportunity for a match at Montevallo; Johnson will go from Panthers Wing-T offense, to spread out at Lyon College

Wellborn football player Grayson Johnson signs to play for Lyon College as his parents, Todd and Shannon Johnson are seen on Tuesday in Wellborn the gymnasium of Wellborn High School. (Photo from Joe Medley)


Joe Medley Joe Medley

Wellborn — In the days when 105-degree temperatures as well as seizures, and COVID-19 worked together to restrict Ahmad Noel’s time on the mat and wrestling opportunities, the prospect of a chance to compete in college appeared to be an unattainable goal. The fever subsided, seizures abated, COVID ran its course and it is expected that the Wellborn senior will now have the chance to assist in getting Montevallo’s wrestling program on the floor. Noel as well as Wellborn quarterback Grayson Johnson celebrated their chances to compete in college during the ceremony held on Tuesday, to commemorate their signings. Noel along with Montevallo while Johnson in conjunction with Lyon College.

The two teams were able to spend time with their families and coaches around the Wellborn-themed table, and in front of the Wellborn background in the gymnasium at the school. The students and their teammates gathered in the bleachers to cheer. The celebration was moved to the library of the school. After warm remarks from the participants, the crowd drank in cakes and punch. “It’s quite an exciting thing that only a handful of people can do,” Wellborn principal Andy Carpenter stated to the audience.

Johnson is only the third Wellborn player in succession to be granted the opportunity to play in college football. Jett Smith’s successor was the leader of Wellborn’s Wing-T offense for two years He’ll now get the chance to show his skills in a spread offense with NCAA Division III Lyon, located in Batesville, Ark. “It’s going be an adjustment that I’ll need to make, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” he said. Johnson was named to the first team of All-Calhoun County in Class 1A-3A when he was an senior, and also for his performance as a quarterback and as a punter. The Wellborn’s coach Jeff Smith said Johnson’s work determination will help him succeed in the future. “He’s one who has never missed any workout, never missed any practice, never skipped an exercise and will work towards becoming the athlete would like to be,” Smith said. “I’m extremely happy for him.”Noel’s opportunity came about after Montevallo coaching wrestling Daniel Ownbey saw him wrestle at the state level. The health issues that wiped out large chunks from his final season threatening to keep Noel from competing at state.

The COVID-19 virus slowed in his second year. The COVID-19 virus wiped out a lot during his final year. The first sign was temperatures of 105 degrees at the time of Thanksgiving. The fever caused epileptic seizures in the right temporal region the coach of Wellborn Ben Carroll said. “He had seizures. He was suffering from COVID,” Carroll said. “He was absent for approximately a month, then came back, and was sick once more and then fell sick again during the week leading up to sectionals. “We did not think he’d be able to wrestle in sectionals.”

Doctors allowed Noel to wrestle right on time and he qualified for the state championships. He was a bit late to medal by 1 round for the 120-pound weight class however Ownbey was able to see enough potential and expressed an the desire to participate. [read more…]



The cake that was served for Tuesday’s signing ceremony was served at Wellborn. (Photo taken by Joe Medley)

Wellborn wrestler Ahmad Noel sits with grandparents Frankie and Ralph Noel, Jr. along with his father Alfred Noel plus Wellborn wrestling coach Ben Carroll (standing, left) and Wellborn football coach Jeff Smith during Tuesday’s ceremony at the gymnasium of the school. (Photo from Joe Medley)