MISSION, TEXAS (APRIL 22, 2024) – Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS) senior and Patriot football player Rigoberto Benavidez just signed a letter of intent to play football at the collegiate level.
During a college-signing ceremony at the Veterans Memorial High School Field House on April 18, 2024 - Benavidez said he’s heading to the Concordia University Wisconsin to join their football program this fall.
In addition to securing a football scholarship, Benavidez is also receiving an academic scholarship. He credits his father for his success.
“I thank him for everything he gave me,” Benavidez said. “He pushed me to my limits and sacrificed a lot to get me here.”
He will start his football training this fall with the Concordia Wisconsin Falcons, while simultaneously balancing his academic goals of obtaining a degree in business management.
Benavidez has been part of the VMHS Patriot Varsity Football team since his freshman year and assuming the role of starter as an offensive tackle since his sophomore year. As he transitions to college football, his aim is to showcase his skills as an offensive guard.
Veterans Memorial High School Athletic Coordinator & Head Football Coach, David Gilpin, says while Wisconsin can seem like a long way from home, there’s comfort in knowing he’ll be part of an athletic family.
“When you’re a football player, you automatically have a family up there because a team does conduct itself as a family, so he’s going to have built-in friends already,” Gilpin said. “Rigo’s a fine young man; he’s got great character.”
His family says they couldn’t be prouder of Benavidez. They all showed up to support him during the college signing. Jose Benavidez Jr., Rigoberto’s father, had this to say:
“We’re really proud of him and of the young man he’s become,” Benavidez Jr. said. “And we are here to support him in whatever he wants to do.”
Mission CISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carol G. Perez, who was also in attendance at the college signing says that while Benavidez is headed off to new pastures, he will always be part of the Mission CISD community.
“On behalf of the Mission CISD Board of Trustees, administrative leadership, and Mission CISD family we wish Benavidez the best of luck,” Perez said. “While he may call Wisconsin his new home, let him never forget that we will be supporting him, and he will always be part of our school district family.”