KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SANTA ROSA—A pair of Santa Rosa athletes are heading to the next level. Senior Adrian Moreno will play football at Mcpherson College and Ryan Mesa will run track and play football at Campbellsville.
The duo signed their letters of intent in a ceremony Wednesday afternoon in Santa Rosa.
“Today means a lot to me,” Moreno said. “For me to receive an offer from a university to play at the college level means the world to me. It is going to be a hell of a ride, but one thing I know is I will have to work just as hard once I get up there.”
Moreno, who was the starting center this year for the Warriors, will look to play the same position next fall and is also open to a possible position change along the offensive line.
“The coaches were all very straight forward on what they were offering and how they presented the school and the program,” Moreno said. “They were very welcoming and made me feel at home.”
Mesa meanwhile will head to Campbellsville University, leaving the Warriors big shoes to fill next season at the running back position.
The senior back ran for 2,114 yards and 27 total touchdowns and averaged 10 yards per carry.
“This day is special to myself and my family,” Mesa said. “I’m a little nervous, but this is exciting. The school was amazing; they sold it well. The weather is a little different. I met the coaches and they all made me feel comfortable.”
Mesa will look to play the running back position and possibly line up at wide receiver.
“Anytime I get an opportunity to compete at the next level, I’m ready and honestly the track part of it helped me to prepare for football,” Mesa said. “Track and football have always been my two sports. They are what motivate me to be perfect at what I do.”
Mesa will compete in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and hopes to get a shot in the relays.
“The challenge for me will be starting from square one and working my way up,” Mesa said. “It will be a different culture and environment, I will also be far away from home, but this is something I have worked for and has always been a goal of mine.”