Transitioning Into College

Michael Ingram is coming off a stellar high school athletic career at Farmington and ready to transition into college welcoming an opportunity to continue to play football.

Ingram will leave in mid-August for Southern Arkansas University at Magnolia as a preferred walk-on competing for a spot as a wide receiver. During his senior season at Farmington he caught 55 passes for 900 yards and 12 touchdowns. His favorite receivers are hall-of-famers Jerry Rice [San Francisco 49ers] and Michael Irvin [Dallas Cowboys]. Ingram has watched their highlights on the NFL Network and impressed with their work ethic. The fact that Jerry Rice came out of a small college inspires him to aim for the stars with a dream of playing pro football alive in his heart.

Although Ingram was a three-sport letterman playing football, basketball and competing in track and field, he expects to concentrate on football in college. SAU coaches have said, “We want you to be focussed and not trying to play other sports cause we want to try to get to the playoffs every year.”

Ingram is a two-time District track and field champion in high jump having won the 2014 during 4A-1 competition and also claiming the 2015 title among the 5A West. As a junior Ingram beat out regular season leader, Terrence Pierce, of Gravette, to win the district high jump. Looking back on his high school and junior high athletic career Ingram appreciates his mom, S Essie Smith, for being there and recalls her taking time to encourage him the morning of each meet particularly on the day of the 2014 district meet.

“That day we were going up to the next level above 6-feet and I remember my mom saying good luck and have fun,” Ingram said. “That’s what really kept my nerves down and I won.”

As senior Farmington jumped up in classification and Ingram came into the 5A West District meet not knowing where he would place as he looked around at other competitors. Once more the voice of his mother ringing in his spirit helped propel him to the title.

“Like before my mom keeping me calm really goes a long way in everything I do,” Ingram said. “I was just taking it one jump at a time. I just hoped people would get out so I could stay in and every jump I was just hoping to set a new personal best.”

And, he added with a grin, “I won the big ol’ gold medal.”

During high school he’s kept a long-term goal in mind, planning to play college football and get a college education. This has helped him avoid certain temptations as he didn’t want to become hindered by distractions.

“I’ve kept my head on straight, staying away from drinking. I figure if I’ve stayed away from it this long four more years shouldn’t be hard as long as I stay focussed.”

“I want to thank my mom for all the support she gives me,” Ingram said. “She’s there talking to me before games and she’s there after games. The real big thing about playing sports is you need a support system around you.”

Looking ahead at enrolling at SAU, Ingram realizes a support system won’t be in place just by showing up. He plans to develop that by working on his skills believing in time a support system will come.

“When they see you working hard they’re going to support you,” Ingram said. “Those are the people you are going to want to be around.”

At SAU, Ingram will be reunited with former teammate Michael Ryan, who walked on as an offensive lineman last year and is also looking forward to competing against his classmate Morgan Lewis, who is attending Harding University on a football scholarship, with the teams scheduled to play early in the upcoming season.

“It’s always exciting to see your teammates in high school when you get to play them in college,” Ingram said.

Ingram leaves Farmington where he has been raised and attended school since second grade with a sincere appreciation for the community.

“I like how well everyone gets along in Farmington. Even if you’re a Peewee [football] player or if you just graduated — people from everywhere will come up to you, shake your hand, ask how you’re doing and be kind and peaceful to you.” MARK HUMPHREY IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR THE ENTERPRISE-LEADER.