Reese Townsend to Continue Football Career at Alma College

On Thursday afternoon, Portland High School senior Reese Townsend formalized his decision to continue his education and his football playing career at Alma College this Fall.

Townsend was a two-year starter on the Raider offensive line at the guard spot, and started as a defensive end during his senior season. He was also a captain for the 2020 Raider squad.

Portland Football Head Coach John Novara told the Beacon, “We are very excited. Any time one of our kids go on to play at the next level, its great for our program.”

Novara added, “Reese did a great job for us. The biggest thing about him is he improved every season through hard work. When he started out, we were not sure where as a junior he was going to fit in, and he just kept getting better every single game. Every single practice. He just has that drive and I am not surprised that he is going on to play college football. You could just see that drive in him every single day at practice and in the weight room. Just that focus that he has is going to make him a very good college football player.”

Townsend received multiple honors during and after the 2020 season. Those honors include:

· Portland Beacon October Student-Athlete of the Month Winner

· CAAC White All-Conference Team

· MHSFCA All-Region Football Team

· Detroit Free Press All-State Honorable Mention

· Lansing State Journal Dream Team

Due to COVID related restrictions on social gatherings, Novara and his staff have not yet been able to hold the 2020 team’s traditional end of season banquet where team awards are announced. In celebration of today’s signing, Novara gave the Beacon a sneak peak at those awards. Townsend was named Portland’s Outstanding Offensive Lineman and Most Valuable Player.

Townsend will be a second-generation Alma College Scot. His father Jim was an offensive lineman for the Scots football team from 1995-1998. His mother Sarah (Lefke) was a three-year member of the Scots basketball program, and a four-year member of the Alma softball program. She was a third-team All-American 2nd basemen for the Scots and was inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame in 2017 with her 1998 softball teammates.

According to the school’s website, Alma College, founded in 1886, is a four-year residential liberal arts college located in the heart of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. A deep regard for students as individuals is fundamental to an Alma education, with small classes and many opportunities for one-on-one collaboration with dedicated faculty.

The Alma athletic programs compete at the NCAA Division III level.