Montezuma-Cortez High School renaissance man Ryan Haley has done it all for the Panthers.
A three-sport starter and letterwinner in football, basketball and baseball, Haley will move on to the next level. He has signed a National Letter of Intent to play football for Mesa State College in Grand Junction next fall.
Haley, who also competes on the M-CHS track and field team, chose to suit up for the Mavericks over Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schools Fort Lewis and Western State.
Im real excited. I worked hard throughout high school and been pretty good here. Im just ready to take the next step, Haley said. Its going to be a lot of hard work, but Im ready for the commitment now. Im looking forward to it.
Haley felt Mesa State was the right choice based on location, its facility upgrades, and the coaching staff created a family atmosphere that really made him feel comfortable.
Ive always kind of like Mesa. They were real friendly up there. When the coaches gave me a tour, they seemed like a fun group to be with, he said. I really like their personalities and they were all welcoming. They talked about their team as a family and everybody gets accepted. It just seems like a good situation to be in.
Haley kicked, punted, and was a linebacker and wide receiver for M-CHS coach Chuck Cotter. Haley was recruited by Mesa State for placekicking and has a chance to earn a spot at wide receiver.
Cotter feels Haleys football scholarship is well deserved.
Its exciting to see one of our kids continue his career. Its an example of the time and the work hes put in, Cotter said about Haley. What that does for the program, it shows other kids the commitment that he had to the program and the work he did. Were excited for him. Well definitely be keeping tabs on him and wish him the best of success. I know hell work hard. I think Mesa State is getting a great kid.
Ryans father, Don Haley, is also very happy to see his son go to college and play football.
Im really excited for him. Im proud of all his work and dedication. It showed and paid off for him, Don Haley said about Ryan. Its going to be fun to watch him take that next step and move on to play in college and get an education there at Mesa State.
Haley was selected as the 2010 Colorado 2A Mountain League special teams player of the year at kicker/punter, as well as being named to the special teams first-team. Haley also made the offensive and defensive first teams at wide receiver and linebacker. In addition, Haley was named first-team All-State and will play on the South team in the 2A All-State football game on Saturday, June 11, at Adams State College in Alamosa.
Mesa State is coached by Joe Ramunno. Haley is undecided on a major.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com