Southern coach Adrian Jones can tell you exactly when senior Anthony Creecy grew up on the football field.
During a game against New Hanover High his sophomore year, Creecy didn't catch a ball. Afterward, as he sat crying like a baby, Jones set him straight.
"I told him, 'Be happy we won the game. What's more important is being a leader, not about getting the ball,'" he said. "After that, I've seen him grow. He became a leader on the field and around in school. That one incident changed everything."
Now, some 170 catches and 2,700 receiving yards later, Creecy is heading to N.C. State in the fall on a full scholarship. But before that, he has one more honor to fulfill.
Last month, the No. 6 ranked wide receiver in the state by Rivals.com was selected for USA Football's 2010 Junior National Team. The squad comprises 45 of the country's top high school seniors. Creecy is the only player from North Carolina on the roster.
On Jan. 30 at noon in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., USA Football will match up against a world team composed of 45 of the best 19U players from outside the United States.
"These young men were hand-selected to represent our country as elite athletes and exceptional ambassadors," said Miami Christopher Columbus High coach Chris Merritt, who will coach the team. "They have garnered dozens of individual honors at their respective high schools, and we will prepare diligently for a very talented World team."The game will take away some of the disappointment of Creecy's last time on the field. Southern lost in the playoffs to, ironically, New Hanover, 21-10. Creecy was hurt on the second play of the game (high ankle sprain) and never returned.
"Who would have imagined that my last game I would get hurt and not be able to play," he said. "I'm going to miss Southern. I started on varsity as a freshman right through to my senior year."
But during his stellar career, Creecy suffered a tragic loss. His mother, Anita Creecy, died of colon cancer when he was a freshman.
"His mother was his heart," said his father, Creecy Sr., who was married 20 years. "I didn't know how I was going to get him to realize that life goes on. But she did it for me. She told him to keep living and not to worry because she would always be here with us."
With an older sister away from home, Creecy and his dad have grown quite close. With his pick of several Division I schools - near and far - Creecy chose the Wolfpack for its close proximity and its environment.
"One of the most important factors was staying close to my dad," said Creecy, who will major in broadcast journalism. "They [NCSU] treat me well. I love their fan base. When you go to a game, it gets so loud you can't hear yourself think. I love a crowd that supports you through anything."
Creecy Sr. said he didn't push but simply told his son that most of the best kids always leave the state and he didn't understand why.
"We look at the kids that leave, but what if they had stayed? Think of the impact that would have on this area. He listened to me and he stayed."
When not finishing up on his studies, Creecy spends his time getting to know his future surroundings and teammates. NCSU football players live in apartment-style dorms with their own kitchen, living room and bathroom. For Creecy, it's a whole new world; one that he's been waiting for.
"Since my mom passed away, it made me grow up and do more on my own," he said. "I'm ready to get out into the real world and see where life is willing to take me."
Living. Just like Anita Creecy would want.
Bonitta Best is the editor of The Triangle Tribune. Contact her at 688-9408, ext. 22 or editor@triangletribune.com.
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