By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The Dexter Bearcats added another member to the ranks of past athletes moving on to play at the collegiate level on Wednesday afternoon at the Bearcat Event Center.

Zach Lacy, the son of Russ and Kim Lacy, will carry on his football career at Avila University next fall. The 6'1", 250-pound defensive tackle is one of 29 members of Avila's 2012 recruiting class.

Avila University is a a Catholic University sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and is located in the Kansas City, Mo., area. The school boasts 1,200 enrolled undergraduate students, and is a member of the NAIA's Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC).

"They first contacted me back in November, after football season was over," Lacy recalled. "The coaches looked up some film on me on Hudl and called me."

"The biggest part of me wanting to play college was getting my education paid for," he said. "It was the icing on the cake, really; I wanted to keep playing, and Avila gave me the best offer."

Lacy was primarily an offensive tackle throughout his career for the Bearcats, but the Eagles sought him as a defensive lineman. DHS Offensive Line Coach Greg Lummukka noted Lacy's athleticism as a key factor in the decision.

"He's an explosive kid," Lummukka said. "He plays low, behind his pads, and has quick hands and feet. He's also very coachable."

The Eagles 'cleaned house' after the 2009-2010 season; Lacy will be a member of the second recruiting class under head coach Justin Berna, and will work closely with second-year Strength & Conditioning/Defensive Line coach Justin Wyatt. Wyatt's expertise on the D-Line is unquestioned; during his time at the University of Missouri (1994-1998), Wyatt was a four-year letterman for the Tigers and earned First Team All-Big XII honors in his senior season.

"I really liked all the coaches when I visited," Lacy said. "Coach Wyatt was a stud at Mizzou when he played, and definitely knows what he's doing.  He's already helping me understand the differences between Avila's defensive scheme and what we did here."

Lacy just wrapped up his senior season as a member of the DHS wrestling team, and will graduate in May. He plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration at Avila.

Photo Above:
Zach Lacy signs his letter of intent to play football for the Avila University Eagles. With Zach are his father Russ (seated), DHS Head Coach Aaron Pixley (back row, left), and DHS Offensive Line coach Greg Lummukka (back row, right).