Big Sandy Senior Signs With Emporia State

Ronny Chalk inks four year deal to play football in Kansas

Pictured:Larry Minter, Jeff Baker, Darold Turner, Derrick Floyd, Lance Morrow, Tracy Green, Ronny Chalk.


BIG SANDY, TX, Feb. 4, 2009 -- With his mother and coaches looking on, Big Sandy senior Ronny Kaye Chalk Jr. today signed a four year athletic scholarship today with Emporia State, a 146 year old university in Kansas.

Chalk, a two year starter for Big Sandy, was named All-District two years while playing at the wide receiver, defensive back and most recently, running back spots. He gained 1234 yards this year in rushing, scoring 14 touchdowns for the Wildcats. For his efforts, he was named First Team All-District running back.


Big Sandy head football coach Darold Turner said the Wildcats would miss Chalk on the field, noting that Chalk had eight interceptions at DB, and played equally well on both sides of the ball.

"We're going to miss him tremendously. His leadership and being a team player. This is a great opportunity for him to continue his education" said Turner.

Turner went on to note that Chalk is an all-around athlete who, as a guard on the Wildcat basketball team, is currently second in East Texas in scoring. He is also on the track team, running the quarter mile and relays.

On the home front, Chalk, who played drums for his church and the Wildcat band, will be leaving his mother, Tracy Green, and two sisters, one older and one younger.

Green is proud of her son's achievements. On his signing, she said "I'm excited, but I'm going to miss him".

Chalk will be playing ball for the ESU Hornets in the MIAA Conference. Head Coach Garin Higgins, going into his third year at Emporia, recently announced that Chalk was among 25 recruits to sign.

“I think we really addressed most of the needs we identified going into recruiting,” Higgins said, "On paper this is a very athletic group,".

Coach Turner had one last bit of advice for Chalk: "In college, they expect you to perform at a higher level, both on the field and academically".

The Advocate is betting Mr. Chalk does just that, and congratulates him on his success.

Note: The ESU news release can be found at http://www.emporia.edu/athletics/football/news/09ESUFBsignees.htm.