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Mary Johnston is one proud grandmother! Mary’s twin grandsons, Daniel and Thomas Pepper, are heading to two different colleges to participate in track! Daniel will attend the University of South Alabama on a track scholarship and Thomas the University of Southern Mississippi as a preferred walk on with participation in all aspects of track.
Mary and Dr. Joe will be on the road to see these boys participate in college activities! Daniel and Thomas are the sons of Mike and Jenny Pepper. The boys are graduates of Simpson Academy and participated in almost every sport at Simpson!
(The above picture was made when Daniel signed with South Alabama. Pictured are front row: Mike, Daniel, and Jenny Pepper ;Back row: Headmaster Billy Wayne Hankins, Dr. Joe and Mary Johnston, grandparents, Thomas Pepper, Coach Winston Mullins, and Coach Dan Napier)
Daniel was recently awarded Clarion Ledger’s Top Twenty All State Track Team. Daniel received this award last year, also. He won state championships in both the shot put and discus. In fact, his throws in both events were the farthest in the state in both private and public schools. (I tell Mary, he got those strong arms from working on the farm with the blueberries!).
The Simpson Academy track team, which both boys were members, won the state championship for the second year in a row. They were members of the State Championship basketball team and the state runner-up State Championship in football. Daniel received all state honors his junior and senior year.
Thomas Pepper
Thomas actually began competing in track his senior year. He placed 2nd in the State meet in both Discus and Shot Put (behind his brother!). He placed 2nd in the 110 Hurdles while competing at State.
Thomas was selected to the State AAAA District 11 basketball team. He was a member of the State championship basketball team and the state runner-up state championship team in football where he received all state honors.
Thomas is enrolled at USM and will participate in track this fall.
Pictured with Coach Winston Mullins
I don’t think Mary believed she would ever have her grandsons so close to home! We never know how things will evolve. Mary and Dr. Joe have enjoyed following these guys during their high school career and look forward to “on the road” to continuing watching Daniel and Thomas.
I would like to tell you which boy is which…but I can’t tell! Congratulations Mary and Dr. Joe on a fun year filled with “peppers!”