Sports

Neal Presented With U.S. Army Honor

Spartan selected to participate in All American Game next January.

Durron Neal already has hopes of finishing his football career with a trip to a dome, namely the Edward Jones Dome, as the Spartans aim for a Class 6 state title run. But he knows regardless of what happens, his career as a high school football player will end in a dome.

Tuesday, representatives from the U.S. Army All-American Bowl were on campus to formally announce Neal's selection as a member of the 2012 squad. The game will be played January 7, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX.

The game has become known over the last 11 years as a venue where high profile recruits announce their college intentions in front of a national TV audience. Some had speculated that Neal, who had dozens of suitors, would take that route. Instead, he announced

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Tuesday, after humbly thanking his family, teammates, coaches, and others, said he said he stood by his decision and that it offered him peace of mind moving forward. "I don’t have to worry about getting injured, worry about me messing up in the game, whether this college is going to want me or this college is still going to want me," he said.

De Smet High School Football Coach Pat Mahoney will join Neal on the trip. The honor also means an invite for 15 Spartan athletes at an offseason camp where players will receive instruction and get exposure to college coaches.

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