HANNIBAL, Mo. — A plastic baggie filled with marshmallows helped keep quiet the biggest secret in Hannibal a little bit longer.
Aneyas Williams, the No. 1 all-purpose back in the 2024 recruiting class according to Rivals.com, and Tippy Toes, the family dog dressed like a leprechaun, combined to announce Williams’ decision to attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall of 2024.
During a ceremony at Korf Gym, Williams first thanked his family, friends and coaching staff at Hannibal High School. He picked up a blue Notre Dame cap at his far left and brought it to his forehead. He then tossed it aside and said “Nah” — eliciting an audible gasp from the crowd.
Williams then grabbed a University of Alabama hat, looked at it and gently placed it back on the table. He then reached under the table to scoop up Tippy Toes, an Aussiepoo (a cross between the Australian Shepherd and Poodle dog breeds). She had stayed quiet while snacking on marshmallows while hiding in a box for at least 30 minutes.
Williams also grabbed a white Notre Dame hat from under the table and put it on his head. He handed the dog to his sister, Olivia Williams, and unzipped his sweatshirt to reveal a kelly green Notre Dame T-shirt.
Williams said it was the idea of his mother, Sarah Williams, to incorporate Tippy Toes into the ceremony
“She’s a good girl,” Sarah Williams said. “The hats were Aneyas’ idea, and then I said, ‘You know what would be really fun is the little leprechaun outfit on the dog.’ And he said, ‘I love it.’”
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