Bain signs letter of intent to Eastern Oregon

Wahkiakum High School senior Tyson Bain on Monday signed a letter of intent to enroll and play football at Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande.

Bain, who played linebacker and offensive line for the Mule football team, said he hopes to play linebacker in college.

"It's been a lifelong dream to play football in college," he said. "And I want to give thanks to my team mates, coaches, the community, and of course, my family."

Bain will receive scholarships totaling $18,000 to $24,000, said Mule Assistant Coach Marc Niemeyer, an Eastern Oregon graduate.

"This is one of the biggest scholarships they've ever given out."

Bain's parents, Greg and Barbie Bain, said they're pleased with their son's decision.

Eastern has implemented an academic support program in which coaches meet every day with players to go over homework and other classroom assignments. This has helped some players complete their degrees, and other players have earned academic honors.

Bain follows three Mule football players who are finishing careers at Eastern Oregon. Seniors Jeff McNally, defensive back, and Terrance Pharr, linebacker, have finished their careers and will graduate this spring; both have earned honors and awards for their performances. A third, lineman Nathan Cress, will play his final season this fall.

McNally spent January in Arizona at professional football scouting camps, his mother, Carol McNally, said this week. He is back in LaGrande and preparing to take part in more camps; it is possible he'll play in a professional arena football league, she said.