“Perseverance” can be a crucial trait for any person, and certainly for an aspiring athlete. It's also likely the reason that Marion senior Antonio Reed will be able to further his academic and athletic career in the fall. Reed signed last week with Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana. “I love the vibe, I loved the school, I hit it off with all their coaches,” said Reed following his signing ceremony in the Marion High School lobby. “I'm ready to get there and get started.” Reed was a member of Marion's football team for two seasons, and “his best football is absolutely in front of him,” said Marion coach Lance Clark. “He looks the part, he's a good kid, he works hard, and he's going to get a chance now to show all of that at the next level.” Reed fielded a handful of offers following his senior football season, but Anderson won out because “they were one of the first schools talking to me and made me feel good,” said Reed. “They'd call me early in the morning before work and stuff like that, and that stood out to me.” “Anderson was very consistent with him for several months,” said Clark. “Some teams are consistent early, but then they fall off. Anderson stuck with it, and it paid off. I think he felt a connection there, and he'll be able to play soon there.” Anderson projects as an edge player for the Anderson Ravens, who had their most prosperous season since 2019 last fall.