By Krista Wilson

Staff Writer

Grand Valley State University landed three Blue Jays in one weekend.

A Southfield trio of senior athletes made the decision to commit to the Lakers during the same fall weekend when they took an official campus visit.

Wide receivers Brandon Bean and Tre Walton and linebacker Jeff Madison will be kicking off with the Lakers in Allendale, Mich., this fall.

Bean and Walton were three-year starters for the Blue Jays, helping to win three district championships and one regional championship, while Madison transferred in to the Blue Jay program his junior year from East Detroit High School.

Bean said, “It was like someone lifted millions of pounds off my shoulders. I am extremely happy with my decision.” Bean said, “I feel like this is the right move for me and my family.”

Vincent Bean, who is Brandon Bean’s father and helps coach football and basketball for Southfield High, said, “I’m very proud (of Brandon). He’s worked really hard in sports as well as in school. His older sister, Brandis Bean, attends Grand Valley, so it’s nice to be able to go up there and visit both of my children.”

Brandon Bean follows in his father’s tradition of playing college ball; his father played football for the University of Michigan.

Madison said, “I look forward to the opportunity to become a great football player and getting a step closer to leaving my legacy in the game.”

The third Blue Jay, Walton, said, “I never really had a dream school; I was only interested in the schools that were interested in me. So when it came down to making a decision, Grand Valley was just the place to be.” Walton said, “I’m just looking forward to playing on the next level with better competition.”

The three teammates say they are contented knowing they will attend the same college in the fall. Bean said, “It’s a blessing to go in a new atmosphere with people that I already have a relationship with.”

Bean remains undecided about what he will study, but Madison plans to major in sports management and Walton, finances.

Football Coach Timothy Conley said he is extremely happy for the flock of Blue Jays headed to Allendale and knows they have a great future ahead as Lakers. “When you talk about these three individuals, you think of leadership, integrity, committed athletes and winners. I am as happy for them as I am proud,” Conley said.

Last year four Blue jays went to Ohio to play football at Notre Dame College, a school that will be playing Walton and his team in the upcoming season. “I can’t wait to play against my old teammates again,” Walton laughed. “But not nearly as excited as I am to be wearing the same color jersey as Bean and Jeff.”

Bean said that he couldn’t be more grateful for such an opportunity. “This is truly a blessing. To be able to grow as a person on and off the field and exceed all my limits is one thing, but to do this with the same people I’ve grown to love the game with is amazing,”

Grand Valley is an NCAA Division II school. It won the Director’s Cup (Best NCAA Division II Athletic Program in the Nation) for eight consecutive years, from 2004 – 2011.

The school had a triumphant football team this past season, with 8 wins and 3 losses. Next season could possibly be more successful, with the gained edge that the three athletes will provide.