Pair of Westside Seminoles sign letters of intent, including another of Coach Risper’s sons

Two Westside Seminoles their letters of intent on Wednesday: Jessie Bell Jr. signed with Central State University. Coach Spoon Risper's son, Silas, signed with Berry College.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –  Wednesday was a big day for Middle Georgia student athletes, as several seniors signed their letters of intent to play collegiate athletics.

At Westside High School, two student athletes committed to their future school. Jessie Bell Jr. and Silas Risper both put pen to paper. Jessie will be attending Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, while Silas will be attending Berry College in Rome. Both will play football.

“I’m very proud of my son, as well as Jessie, they worked very hard,” Westside coach Spoon Risper said. “It’s kind of bittersweet. It’s my son’s last year with me and he’s such a good kid.”

“I’ve been thinking about this day since I was a little kid,” Silas said.

Silas also has a brother, Scooter Risper, who was on this very stage just two years ago, committing to Mercer University to play football after four years under his father.  He was in attendance Wednesday to share his pride for his little brother.

“Today makes it feel like all the work we put off since we’ve been kids finally has paid off and I’m glad to see him go to Berry. That’s where he wants to go,” he said. “I feel like that’s the best fit for him.”

Scooter and Silas have a strong work ethic, according to Coach Risper.

“It”s something that I didn’t take for granted,” Silas said. “I enjoyed every step of it and I enjoyed how hard he was on me to be the best person I could be. He taught me that with hard work, anything is possible.”

Scooter’s sentiments rang similar to little brother’s.

“It was definitely good,” he said. “Him not just being our father, but our coach; he coaches us the hardest so I feel like that prepares us for the next level. If you can be coached by your dad, you can get coached by anyone.”

Now Coach Risper says he has a problem, but he’s thankful.

“It’s exciting!” he said. “I guess the hardest part now is which one do I go to see on which game.”