Centerburg's Belcher, Tudor take next step in athletics

Two more student-athletes at Centerburg will have the opportunity to move on to the next level.

Emma Belcher and Evan Tudor, both seniors at Centerburg High School, signed Friday to attend college and participate in sports. Belcher will be a cheerleader for both football and basketball this fall at Findlay University, while Tudor will be playing football at Heidelberg University in Tiffin.

Belcher, a cheer captain for the last couple of years at Centerburg, really liked the cheer program at Findlay and felt it was an easy choice. She has been cheering for 10 years, first starting in Colt Football, and was recognized as a two-time All-American by the Universal Cheer Association. She also received a leadership award at the state cheer competition this past season.

Belcher was also part of a group of Centerburg cheerleaders that had the opportunity to participate in the halftime show at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, this past winter.

“I learned (there) to try your best and don’t ever give up,” Belcher said.

Belcher plans on majoring in ultrasound technician at Findlay and wants to work for an OB-GYN following graduation.

Tudor, an offensive guard for the Trojans, felt right at home when he visited Heidelberg.

“It felt like driving through Mount Vernon, which is really close to home,” Tudor said.

He has been playing football since the seventh grade, mainly on the offensive line. Tudor was an honorable mention All-Knox Morrow Athletic Conference selection this year, helping the Trojans to a 9-1 record and a trip to the regional semifinals.

“It’s a brotherhood (being on the football team at Centerburg). They taught me a lot about how to see people as who they are and not assume anything,” Tudor said.

He plans on majoring in business at Heidelberg.