Seniors from Falcon, Sand Creek and Vista Ridge High schools signed letters of intent throughout the school year, accepting athletic scholarships from colleges across the country.Falcon High School
- Andrew Hunley received a partial scholarship to play Division II football at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colo. His scholarship amount could be increased as he becomes a more prominent member of the team, said his mother, Joanna. Hunley, who has played football for nine years, said, ìI chose Ft. Lewis because they have the degree program I want specifically. I get to play football, and I really like the location.î Hunley plans to study physics engineering. His advice to younger athletes going for scholarships: ìPut together a good highlights reel that shows your talents along with your intensity on the field.î
- Cassidy Rogers received a partial scholarship to play NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) soccer at Culver Stockton College in Canton, Mo. Rogers, who has played soccer for about eight years, said she plans to study early childhood education or criminal justice. ìI’m excited about learning to be on my own without having my parents there 24/7,î Rogers said. Her advice: ìBe proactive with contacting coaches. Let them know that you’re interested in their school.î
- Zach Bagby received a partial scholarship to play Division II football at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo. Bagby has played football since seventh grade and said he plans to study pre-engineering. ìOne of the biggest reasons I chose Adams State was because everyone on the team is like family, and it felt like home,î Bagby said. To young athletes pursuing colleges: ìYou just need to work as hard as you can and spend a lot of time in the weight room because football is a year-round sport.î
- Taylor Proctor received a full-ride scholarship to play Division I basketball at the University of San Francisco. Proctor was not able to play during the 2011-2012 season because of an injured knee, said athletic director Autumn Sereno.
- Josh Keaton received a partial scholarship to play Region IX baseball at Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colo.
- Josh Johnson received a partial scholarship to play Division II football at Colorado State University in Pueblo, Colo. ìI chose CSU Pueblo because when I visited there I was really comfortable with the atmosphere,î Johnson said. ìI went to a football camp down there two years ago and they were happy with me; I was happy with them.î Johnson has been playing football since sixth grade and said he plans to study business management, engineering or mathematics. He said he is most excited to be playing football again. ìI can’t wait to just put a helmet on and get out there and play the game that I love,î Johnson said. His advice to younger athletes: ìYou don’t want your grades to restrict you in anything. You want to be able to choose whatever college you want and not have grades be an issue.î
- Quintin Riley received a partial scholarship to play Division II football at Colorado State University in Pueblo. Riley, who has been playing football for six years, said he chose CSU Pueblo because of their mass communications program and their football program. ìI looked into other colleges but none of the others stood out like they did,î Riley said. ìI’m excited about getting the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the country and be able to share the experience and the love for the game.î His advice: ìYou just have to do your best to stand out and work your hardest at all times, even when no one is looking.î
- Andrew Dubiel received a partial scholarship to participate in Division II track and field at the University of Mary in Bismark, N.D. Dubiel, whose main event is the discus but sometimes the shot put, chose the University of Mary because he liked the small-town feel and the school showed substantial interest. Dubiel started throwing the discus during his freshman year. He qualified for the 4A state tournament in his sophomore year and won the state tournament his junior year. Dubiel plans to study information technology management. ìThere’s a possibility that I could try out for the Olympic team, use my degree to get a job or go back for a master’s degree,î he said. ìI have multiple ways that I can go.î His advice: ìStart training early.î
- Thomas Newman received a partial scholarship to play Division II football at Ft. Lewis College in Durango. ìI chose Ft. Lewis because I visited there over the summer and then again in January, and the atmosphere just sold me,î Newman said. ìI love the town, I love the coaches; it just felt right.î Newman started playing football at age 7 and said he plans to study history education. He said he is excited about playing football at the college level. Newman’s advice to younger athletes: ìWork hard and don’t take time for granted because it goes by fast. You need to use every second you have.î
- Austin Howard received a partial scholarship to play Division II football at Western State College in Gunnison, Colo. Howard, who has played football for eight years, said, ìI went to the campus this summer and I really liked the environment and the coaches.î He said he is planning on getting a degree in professional land and resource management. Howard said he is excited about getting the opportunity to live in a dorm while at school. His advice: ìWork hard, really dedicate yourself to the team, play where they need you and work hard in the off-season.î
- Aspen Sanders received a partial scholarship to play Division II volleyball at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. Sanders said she chose West Texas because she really likes the school and it felt like home. She has been playing volleyball for five years and is still undecided about what subject she wants to study in college. ìI’m most excited about leaving Colorado,î Sanders said. ìI love Colorado but I’m finally going to be on my own and be my own person. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and leaving the past behind.î Her advice for younger athletes: ìKeep working hard because it’s really worth it in the end. Even if you have to miss some social high school things, it’s going to be worth it in the end. Never give up.î
