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Each year, high school athletes around the Commonwealth sign offers to play at the NCAA level. 

At George Rogers Clark High School, Wednesday proved to be no different. 

Camahni “Mahni” John, a defensive back with the Cards’ football team, signed to continue play at Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville. 

“It was nice to have everybody out,” said John. “I’m just happy I could play [at] the next level, and I have another chance to play football…it’s just a blessing.” 

John was a senior team captain for the 2024 Cards, who advanced in the postseason for the first time since 2019 following a 14-6 first-round playoff victory over Lafayette. 

During that game, John intercepted a pass when the Generals were threatening to put more points on the scoreboard, returning it 22 yards afterward. 

However, it was not his most impressive interception of the season. 

In a comeback victory over Belfry during Week 2, with the Cards clinging to a two-point lead and just seconds remaining, John intercepted a Pirate pass and returned it 104 yards for a touchdown as time expired in a 43-35 GRC victory. 

He also caught a receiving touchdown in that game, in which he had a pair of receptions for 56 yards. 

John added a 20-yard interception return for a score in a 26-14 loss to Ballard, and – two years earlier – nearly carried the Cards to victory with a 77-yard interception return for a score in a narrow first-round playoff loss to Tates Creek.

Playing receiver at times, John finished the year with 14 receptions for over 200 yards. 

The track star also served as a kick and punt returner, taking back a punt 51 yards for a score in the Cards’ 50-7 win against Henry Clay. 

At Wednesday’s signing, which took place in GRC’s library, John was celebrated and complemented by many. 

Among them was GRC Assistant Principal Chad Luhman. 

“Every day, we get to witness the result of years of hard work and dedication and perseverance…come together,” he said. “This is a celebration of commitment, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence both in the classroom and on the field.” 

GRC Head Football Coach Joe Chirico, who has been with the team since 2021, also spoke. 

“It’s an exciting day for us football coaches when we get to stand here and celebrate one of our football players going on to further their education and their football career,” he said. “Since I’ve been here, he’s been a hard worker and trained hard and worked on his craft day in and day out.” 

The event concluded with John taking pictures alongside family, friends, and members of the George Rogers Clark High School football team. 

While enthusiastic for what the future holds, John also reflected positively on his time as a Cardinal. 

“I’ll remember all of the work [and] the dedication…[and] just the good moments that we had together,” he said.