Trinity Receiver Sets State Career Record
|
Trinity Presbyterian School senior wide receiver Mark White caught seven passes for 49 yards in the Wildcats’ 24-3 win over Montgomery Catholic Friday night to become the AHSAA’s career pass receptions leader.
With 47 catches this season, White's 275 career receptions ranks him ahead of the 260 career catches of previous state leader Nick Threlkeld of Hubbertville from 1998-01.
The record total also ranks White seventh nationally and moved him ahead of current Philadelphia Eagles receiver Steve Smith on the National Federation records list. He is just four catches behind former Georgia receiver A.J. Green, now with the Cincinnati Bengals, and 54 shy of the national record set by Chris Fulmer of Nitro, West Virginia, from 2002-05.
White came into the 2011 season needing 41 catches to surpass the state career record. After 40 catches in the Wildcats’ first five games, Trinity (5-1) discovered that White, who was credited with a then single-season state record 106 receptions as a sophomore in 2009, actually had 108 that year. A closer look also showed an additional seven varsity receptions for White as a freshman.
His milestone feat was recognized by host Catholic at halftime as family members and school officials met White at midfield and the game ball was presented to him by Trinity athletic director Jim Tuley. Knights athletic director Travis Jarome and head coach Mike Shatzer notified Ragsdale earlier in the week they planned to recognize the accomplishment of White. The action drew rave comments from Ragsdale.
“This caught me by surprise,” said Ragsdale. “To have the opposing team, a rival, want to take the time to recognize a player from the other team is almost unheard of. Catholic has been just wonderful. It was a special moment for him. I think the entire ceremony, the way Catholic officials handled things, was nothing but class. This means so much to all of us.”
Ragsdale spoke to Catholic’s team and coaches when both squads gathered after the game. “I am deeply humbled by such a tremendous display of sportsmanship that you displayed,” he said. “We deeply appreciate this act of kindness with great humility.”