Mission, Texas- While it is not unusual for many students from one high school to attend a college or university together. It is a little more unusual to have more than one student-athlete sign on to study and play for the same college. Mission High School (MHS) has three seniors that just signed with Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. Emanuel Escobedo, Juan Silva, and Christopher Morfin are excited to be joining the Wildcats soccer team. They will be taking their team playing skills and will start practicing for their season this coming fall.
“I definitely didn’t expect this, I have worked really hard, but I never expected to get this far, and it is a great accomplishment,” states Christopher Morfin. “I didn’t know two of my teammates were going too but once I found out I got super happy and confident.”
The superintendent of schools, Dr. Carol G. Perez, shared a few words with the soccer players headed to Wiley College. She addressed the athletes and their parents to congratulate them on reaching this huge defining moment in their lives. She told them to continue to soar high and to always know that everyone is supporting them.
“This opportunity signifies a lot for me, I never thought I would reach this level and receive this scholarship,” states Emmanuel Escobedo “I thank God for giving me this opportunity and I’m going to give it my all.”
The MHS soccer coach, Christos Barouhas, stressed the importance of putting in the work and that the other athletes in the audience could also be sitting at the table one day like Escobedo, Silva, and Morfin. The three soccer players are an example for other athletes that it is possible to sign with a college or university on a scholarship.
“This was a dream of mine and now I have reached it. I get to play soccer with Wiley College,” states Juan Silva. “My parents are extremely proud of me and I’m excited for the next phase.”
A gym full of relatives, teammates, and friends filled the Eagle Gym to congratulate the three soccer players. The soccer team is under the direction of coaches, Christos Barouhas, Aaron Clemons, and Diego Valdez.