Case Hatch knew it would be a tough sacrifice. The senior linebacker was the Arizona defensive player of the year in division-I last fall and was undoubtedly the emotional and physical leader on the playoff-bound Puma football team.

Colleges often offer scholarships to students for athletics, a seemingly no-brainer to accept.

Even with a stellar senior campaign, Hatch only received three full ride offers. The reason? Hatch is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and plans on serving a two-year mission for his church rather than suit up for a collegiate football program in the fall.

“It was definitely a hard choice for me to make,” he said. “I had a couple full-ride offers from big D1 schools that I had to turn down for the mission.”

Hatch is not alone. There are several students who have other commitments delaying their athletic careers.

Along with Hatch, Derek Whalin and brothers  Sam and Jack O’Hare have decided to make the same decision to make a religious commitment before accepting offers from colleges.

“There have been more than a handful (of players) who decide to go on missions before college. Probably around a couple a year,” Jones said.

It is a big choice to make, with so much on the line.

“These kids need to make a family decision, an educated decision – do what is best for them in the long run,” Jones said.

Principal Dan Serrano, who used to coach football himself, said “not all universities are open to giving students scholarships when they come back.” This raises the stakes of the decision.

In fact, Hatch received offers from two Pac-12 schools, as well as South Dakota State.

“They all wanted me to set the mission aside and come play football right out of high school. But I told them a mission was on the top of my list.

“They all turned away and dropped full-ride scholarships,” he said.

Despite the sacrifices being made, Hatch says he will not regret making the decision.  “During those two years I’ll be growing up, maturing, and learning.”

Choosing religious values over potential sports careers says a lot about a student and their values. Jones said, “It tells a lot about their character, I think it’s a hard thing for teenagers to do. Obviously your faith comes first; before school and football.”

It is important for the athletes to make a commitment one way or another quickly before losing offers. Jones said, “they are all open and honest with the colleges, and I think the college coaches respect that they are [open and honest].”

A person’s life is determined by their decision about college. This leaves much to ponder for these student athletes. 

As for advice for all students, Jones said, “your life is a marathon not a sprint; don’t try to do something that is going to please you immediately, do what will be best for you in the next 30-40 years.”