Mancos senior Everett Strazza-Whalen has dreamed of playing college football since he was in the sixth grade.
And the three-year captain and two-time all-conference selection will fulfill his goal next year at Fort Lewis College.
“I’m just excited for the opportunity to play college football,” he said. “It’s been a dream and a goal of mine since I started playing football in sixth grade.”
Strazza-Whalen had interest in Colorado Mesa University and Hastings College, but he settled on Fort Lewis because of the location and his relationship with the coaches.
“It’s close to home and my family, and I have two very little siblings,” he explained. “I really like the coaches and I’ve known a couple of them for a while.
Strazza-Whalen signed with the Skyhawks as a linebacker, after he helped anchor the Mancos Blue Jays’ defense this year on their way to a 6-4 season and a playoff appearance.
He was third on the team with 68 total tackles, and he also recorded one sack, two tackles-for-loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and scored one defensive touchdown.
While attending Fort Lewis, Strazza-Whalen intends to major in exercise science.