2019 FBA Graduate Tommy Casey is Heading to Stetson University!
Thomas “Tommy” Casey, a 2019 graduate from First Baptist Academy is signing with Stetson University Football for the Fall of 2020. After graduating from FBA, Casey took a Post Graduate football semester at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia.
“We are so excited Tommy is joining our program. He is a versatile athlete that has an opportunity to play a number of positions. But as important as his football skills, his work ethic, character and mental toughness are exactly the attributes we look for in our players.” - Roger Hughes, Stetson Football Head Coach
Selected “All Purpose Player of the Year” for his senior season at FBA, Casey led FBA in scoring with 19 touchdowns on 1,211 total all purpose yards (605 yards rushing, 234 yards receiving, 306 yards on kickoff returns, and 66 yards on Punt Returns). His 605 yards rushing on 108 carries led the Lions ground attack. Casey also set two FBA school records for most touchdowns in one game (6) in the 2018 season opener against Evangelical Christian and longest kickoff return (99 yards) against Cardinal Mooney. Playing on both sides of the ball, Casey also was the second leading tackler on the team with 56 tackles.
After his senior season, Casey was recognized as a member of the Naples Daily News 2018 First Team All-Area Defense Team and was Second Team All-State in Football for Returners at the 2A level. The Collier County Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame recognized Casey as the 2018-2019 Scholar-Athlete Award winner for his outstanding football performance, academic achievement and citizenship.
In addition to a successful senior football season, Casey was a Naples Daily News All Area Boys Track finalist in 2019 having won two medals at the Class 1A finals. He was a district and regional champion in the long jump and also advanced to state in the 100.
“I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career at Stetson University. FBA has had a huge impact on where I am today and the amount of people I have to thank is too long for me to even begin to list. Just know that the journey has just begun and I hope to continue to show my gratitude to those who have invested in me as I continue down my path. Ultimately, the glory and praise for all of my successes belongs to God, without Him I would not be fortunate enough to be in the position I am today. Go Hatters!” – Tommy Casey
As he enrolls at Stetson this fall and joins the football team, Casey also plans to join the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC. Last year, the Eagle Battalion was awarded the MacArthur Award. The MacArthur Award is awarded to the best Army ROTC program in 6th Brigade, which includes the 39 ROTC programs in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. “The Stetson Football team and Army ROTC program have developed a great partnership that is designed to develop the leaders of tomorrow for this great country of ours.” – LTC(R) McCulloch
“I am so happy for Tommy and proud of all the hard work and dedication he has put into playing Division 1 College Football. Tommy will be a great success at Stetson and whatever he does in life due to his perseverance and work ethic.” – Billy Sparacio, FBA Athletic Director
“Tommy has been prepared well at FBA both academically and athletically to compete at the next level at Stetson University. The commitment that Head Football Coach Hughes has to developing leadership in young men is exceptional. Lt. Col. (Rt) McCulloch’s partnership with the football program provides a great opportunity for Tommy to serve as an Army ROTC cadet as well.” – Dr. Ray Casey, FBA Head of School