By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

Athletic ability runs strong in the Stevens family.

Nate played football at Illinois Valley Community College, and is the only two-time member of the 1,000 Yard Club. Josh played baseball at Mineral Area College, and led the Football Bearcats to a District Championship during his junior year from the quarterback position.

Cody Stevens, currently wrapping up his senior year at DHS, will be following in his dad and older brother's footsteps next year, as he prepares to continue both his football and golf careers with the Missouri Valley College Vikings in Marshall, Mo.

Stevens led the football Bearcats to two of their best seasons in recent memory during his junior and senior year; he was the first quarterback to run and throw for over 1,000 yards in a season. As a wrestler, Stevens was a three-time state qualifier and two-time medalist, and he holds the school record for takedowns in a season with 114. His golf game is great, as well; you'll commonly find him on the links as a member of the DHS Golf team, as well as over the summer, when he enjoys the game with his dad, mom, and little brother, Ethan.

Stevens had a big decision to make regarding where he would continue his athletic career and education, but ultimately Missouri Valley stood out because of its similarities to home.

"Lindenwood-Belleville, Lake Forest, Cornell, and Luther Norse all recruited me," he said. "Three wanted me for wrestling, all wanted me for football, and Missouri Valley wanted me for all three."

"Valley stood out, because the town is small like Dexter is," he continued. "I really liked it when we went to visit, and the golf coach offered me a full ride on the spot."

Stevens said his road to a golf scholarship was quite unexpected. During his official visit to the school earlier in the year, he had already been offered a football scholarship, but wanted to talk to coach Jim Anderson, Mo. Valley's head golf coach, before leaving the campus.

After a brief visit, Stevens and Anderson - a former member of the Philadelphia Eagles - agreed to a more valuable golf scholarship, but with the ability to still play football.

Stevens is now busy preparing for the upcoming golf season, but after graduation in May, he plans to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.

Photo above:
Cody Stevens (center) signs his National Letter of Intent to play both football and golf at Missouri Valley College next year. With Stevens are (front row): Maria and Nate, his mother and father, and (back row, from left) DHS Golf coach Eric Sitze and DHS Football coach Aaron Pixley.