Cantwell quarterback Matt Valencia signs with Whittier College


By Stephen Ramirez
MONTEBELLO — Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary High School senior Matt Valencia is big on education, which made his decision to attend with Whittier College an easy one.
Valencia, one of the top quarterbacks in the area this past fall, signed with the Poets on Tuesday.
“The thing that factored most was the academics,” Valencia said. “A degree from Whittier College will give me great opportunities in life. For me, that’s the most important thing. Playing football is part of it, but it’s the degree that counts.”
Valencia is coming off a solid senior season in which he helped the Cardinals to a 9-3 record and a share of the South Catholic League. He completed 118 of 219 passes for 1,630 yards and 10 touchdowns. He threw for a season-high 245 yards and two touchdowns in a 56-34 victory over Bishop Montgomery, which clinched a share of the league title. The Cardinals ended the season with a 48-19 loss to Arrowhead Christian in the CIF-Southern Section Northwest Division playoffs
Whittier, which competes in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and in NCAA Division III, was 2-7 last season. The Poets featured two quarterbacks, including former Arroyo star Steven Rivera, who will be a senior this fall.
“I feel confident (to compete at that level),” Valencia said. “But that’s because I’ve always had confidence in myself. It’s something new, so I’ll have to get ready for it. But I’m ready.”
But for now, he just enjoyed the moment of making his college choice, which included a ceremony at the school with his parents, family, teammates and Cantwell coach Kim Taylor.
“It’s just a day to recognize me as a student-athlete,” Valencia said. “My hard work has paid off, so it’s a great day.”

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Email