Florence wrestler Kourtlan Kendrick signs with Huntingdon College

FLORENCE, Ala. — Florence High School hosted a signing ceremony Monday to celebrate standout student-athlete Kourtlan Kendrick, who committed to Huntingdon College.

FHS Principal Dr. Chris Westbrook opened the ceremony by highlighting Kendrick's journey and the support system behind his success.

"Nobody gets to the level of success that Kourtlan has gotten to without support and without help," Westbrook said. "That starts right here at home with family who pushes, who has his back, who ensures that he has the things that he needs to be successful."

Westbrook added that success shouldn't be measured by money or a nice suit, but by the "right heart" and his teammates who have poured into him.

FHS wrestling coach Robert Landers followed Westbrook by recounting a humorous experience about Kendrick's application to Huntingdon during a conversation with the college wrestling director, Matt Oliver.

"Did you apply?" Landers asked Kendrick.

Kendrick said he had applied years earlier, but Oliver insisted that he had not. He told Kendrick he had completed the application without clicking the submit button, which would have showered the screen with confetti and a congratulations message. Following the technical mishap, Kendrick's application was officially submitted — and with it, a full-ride scholarship.

Kendrick's involvement at Florence High School has spanned far beyond athletics. He's been a part of choir, stage band, marching band, dance, and football. However, his love of wrestling is what's launching him into his next chapter.

"Humble — having a lot of support throughout my years, and it's overwhelming," Kendrick said when describing how he felt during the ceremony.

He said he chose Huntingdon because of the great relationship he's had with Oliver.

"I love coach Matt; he's been there in my corner every year since I was in club wrestling," Kendrick said.

He added that he plans to major in music but is also considering coaching.

For younger teammates looking to follow a similar path, he offered simple advice: "Just keep your head in it. It's going to be tough, but if anything's possible, anything's possible."

To view photos from Kendrick's signing ceremony, click here.

By Jeremy Jackson