Marion Athletics -

The recent winter storm delayed Marion's 2026 Signing Day, but it did not diminish the excellence on display.

Ten Marion student-athletes signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the college level.

Cross country standout Dionsay Watkins inked with Williams Baptist, while two-time state champion track athlete Chris Hardin inked with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

What is believed to be a school record, eight Patriot football players signed last week, including Zadean Wilson with Kennesaw State, Ryan Blackwell, Chris Byrd, Bryson Gladney, Kajeris and Kejeris Hill to Henderson State, and Jeremy Dent and Rico Ward to Ouachita Baptist.

Watkins has been arguably Marion's most consistent cross country performer during her career, with a personal record of 22:09.9 in the 5000 meters.

Hardin has been part of six conference or state championships in his prosperous career at Marion, including a leg on the 2023 4X400 Relay Class 5A state champions, the 2024 5A East conference championship in the 800 meters, the 2024 Outdoor 4X800 meters leg, and the 400 meters champ in the 2025 Senior Patriot Relays, the Class 5A state Track and Field Championships, and the Arkansas Meet of Champions.

Wilson earned an all-conference and an all-state nod in his two seasons at Marion, earning the 2025 6A East Defensive Player of the Year after topping the tackle chart with 88 stops, 15 for losses, and four sacks.

Blackwell started three seasons for the Patriots, twice earning all-state honors, including a year ago when he racked up 55 tackles, nine TFL, and four sacks.

Byrd was a three-year letter-winner at Marion and twice garnered All-6A East honors, including in 2026 when he recorded 84 tackles, five TFL, a sack, and a fumble recovery.

Gladney started every game in 2025 at linebacker for Marion, rolling up 70 tackles, two TFL, and recovering a pair of fumbles.

Kajeris and Kejeris Hill earned varsity letters all three seasons in their careers at Marion, and each earned all-league honors as seniors.

Kajeris Hill stacked 46 tackles with an interception in 2025, while Kejeris Hill tallied 47 stops with three picks as a senior.

Dent, a three-year letter-winner at receiver, caught 37 passes this fall for 309 yards, and he spent time on defense, as well.

Ward earned all-conference honors in 2025 as part of Marion's rushing attack that ran for more than 2,500 yards. Ward paced the Patriots with 966 steps on the ground, with 11 touchdowns