Pope signs with Tyler Junior College

Mt. Pleasant senior Faith Pope has signed his letter of intent to attend Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, and play basketball for the Apaches.

In the photo, Pope signs his letter in the Mt. Pleasant High School library this morning. From left: Mt. Pleasant Basketball Coach Paul Rundquist; Kinyotta Pope, Faith?s sister; Faith Pope; Sandra Pope, Faith?s mother; Akiya Wright, Faith?s sister, who is holding Samiah Pope, Faith?s niece; and Rashiud Pope, Faith?s brother.

?I chose Tyler because I went down there and liked the feel of the team, liked the coach and the whole organization,? Pope said. ?I look forward to starting new, starting fresh with college athletics.?

The average temperature in Tyler, Texas, helps, too: ?The weather is perfect,? Pope said.

?He said he?s going to call me every day and tell me how warm it is!? said Sandra Pope.

The Apaches went 22-9 last year under 12-year Head Coach Mike Marquis, who went to Tyler Junior College after many years in Iowa: he graduated from Newton High School, attended Marshalltown Community College and Grand View University, and served as head coach and Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa.

?With Pope?s athleticism and basketball potential, his upside is pretty high ? I think he made a really good choice; it?s a good program,? said Rundquist, who coached Pope for one season after he transferred from Ottumwa for his senior year. ?I feel fortunate that I?ve been able to get to know him and his family better.?

Pope plans to major in communication and would like to work as a sports broadcaster.