Central Clarion Wildcat Standout Ashton Rex To Continue His Football And Academic Career At Juniata
Above photo submitted – (seated) Ashton with parents Cory and Dana Rex. (back) brother Ethan and bonus brother Brendon Wright.
Central Clarion Wildcat standout and Clarion Area senior Ashton Rex, the son of Cory and Dana Rex of Clarion has signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his athletic and academic career at Juniata College in Huntingdon.
Ashton will be joining former Wildcat teammates, his brother Breckin and Cal German. Ashton had a spectacular career for the Wildcats. He finished with program season and career records for receptions, yards and touchdowns.
Ashton had a spectacular career for the Wildcats.
As a senior, Ashton was a member of the District Nine League Region 2 Champion and District Nine Class-AA Champion Wildcats. The Wildcats, finished the season at 10-2, were the program’s first ever champions for both and the first ever PIAA State Playoffs participants.
Ashton finished his scholastic career as the Wildcats’ season and career record holder for receptions, yards and touchdowns.
His single season totals from this past season are 63 receptions, 1,556 yards and 13 touchdowns.
His career record totals are 84 receptions for 2,001 yards and 18 touchdowns. Ashton’s 1,556 receiving yards during his senior campaign is the second best all-time in District Nine.
Wildcats head coach Dave Eggleton had some fine things to say about Ashton. “I am very proud of Ashton and all of his accomplishments as a Central Clarion Wildcat. He has produced single season and career numbers that will likely remain records for a very long time. He took tremendous steps this past season to improve his approach to the game.
“I have no doubt he will be a tremendous addition to the Juniata football program. I am excited to see him suit up with two other Wildcats, his brother Breckin and quarterback Calvin German. Needless to say, the Juniata program is building a great foundation for their program.”
The Juniata football program, under the direction of first year head coach Blake Treadwell, competes in the NCAA Division III’s Centennial Conference. Other conference schools include Dickinson, Franklin and Marshall, Gettysburg, Johns Hopkins, McDaniel, Moravian, Muhlenberg, Susquehanna and Ursinus.
Ashton had this to say about deciding on Juniata, “I would like to thank everyone that helped me along the way and with navigating the recruiting process. To all the schools that made me feel at home and took the time to show me what they had to offer.
“It was a long stressful process for me, but ultimately I felt like Juniata was the best fit for me! I feel like I can go in and be an impact player from day one and help turn the program around. Coach Tread has been a constant with me and truly made me feel like I belonged there.
“It didn’t hurt that Breckin and Calvin are also there on top of the current friendships I made with their current players through them and during visits. I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish!
“Wings up. Go Eagles.”
Coach Treadwell is very excited about his new recruit. “Ashton had a productive year for Central Clarion and really caught our eye on film in the recruiting process. He comes from a great football family and we are pleased to welcome him into our family now as well! we think he has a high ceiling and look forward to helping him reach his potential here.”
Ashton, who has participated in strength and conditioning training, along with other area athletes, under the watchful eye of trainer Eain Brooks at Forell Barbell in Marianne, plans to pursue Exercise Science as his major and wants to be a personal trainer or strength and conditioning coach.
Parents Cory and Dana shared, “As Ashton’s parents, we are extremely proud of the young man and hard worker he has become in the last couple of years. He has been successful in balancing school, athletics and a job and we are positive that this will prepare him for a bright future. We are extremely eager to see how much more he will grow, but in the long run know that he will do great things at Juniata.
“We have emphasized the importance of education but also wanted to have him involved in sports so he could understand what it meant to be a part of and committed to a team. He has encountered obstacles due to his energetic and curious personality but has worked hard in order to return and excel at the sports that he loves. Although he is not a man of many words, we are glad he was able to emerge from the shadows and experience a spotlight of his own in his senior year. We can honestly say that he consistently blessed us with excitement under the Friday night lights!!”
“Special thanks to all of our family, Central Clarion coaching staff and Eain Brooks for helping mold him into a strong young man and athlete. Thank you to his teammates who have worked hard alongside him and pushed him when he needed it.
“We are excited to continue to cheer on the Eagles where he will be joining his older brother. We are confident in the education he will receive as well. The admissions department, coaching staff, and football team have been a huge factor in this process. To Coach Treadwell, thank you for believing in Ashton and being so dedicated in providing him with this opportunity! We believe you will not be disappointed!”
(Congratulations to Ashton and his family, the Wildcats, Eagles, Clarion Area and all who have been a part of Ashton’s journey!!!! Have a great collegiate career and beyond, Ashton!!!!)