BULLARD — When Grant Troxell was looking for a military school to attend, other options included Virginia Military Institute and Oklahoma University’s large ROTC program and Norwich University. The most important thing to the Bullard Brook Hill senior was putting himself in a position to fight for his country after his education is complete.
This past year’s two-way accolades earned Troxell an opportunity to continue his field of dreams as he signed to play football for Norwich on Wednesday afternoon, among a room full of family, friends and teammates.
To be named Brook Hill’s “Iron Man” speaks for itself as far as attributes that Troxell brought to the Guard football successes over the past four years, although a broken leg cost him his junior season.
Troxell was awarded his team award on Monday, recognizing his play at slot receiver and safety for the Guard football team this year
A Guard football player since joining the school in middle school, Troxell is excited about continuing his football playing and the challenge of competing in college.
“When I made my visit the campus was beautiful and talking to the coaches was reassuring too,” Troxell said. “They lost some receivers and they said with the new offense they are in need of wide receivers, and I’m just thankful they called the coaches and are giving me the opportunity.”
Norwich, located in Northfield, Vt,, is a member of the East Coast Football Conference in NCAA Division III.
“I really wanted to go to a military school,” Troxell said. “My Dad went there and I have a sister already up there and they really seemed sincere in giving me the chance to play some more.
“They are implementing a new offense with a lot of passing and hopefully I can contribute and be successful.”
Troxell was named all-district this past season as the Guard moved up in classification, finishing third in league play before losing in the first round of the playoffs. He was a second-team wide receiver and honorable mention safety.
Troxell’s head soccer coach and position coach on the football field David Collins was quick to bring up Grant’s determination at practice that has made him a better athlete and praised his dedication to his country.
“Grant is the perfect of example of hard, consistent working paying off,” Collins said. “He has earned everything he has this year and is always the first one there to workouts and the last one to leave and never takes a day off.
“He’s a great Brook Hill kind of kid, and he has made himself the most improved athlete in his graduating class. “I know that him getting to go to a military school and get to play football is a well deserved opportunity and we wish him the best.”
The signing marked the 11th athletic signee at Brook Hill this year in a senior class of 40 students.