Mica Mountain’s repeat state championship football team had six of its players sign with college programs on Wednesday during national signing day, including linebacker Broden Schmidt with New Mexico, lineman Alex Stehr with Simpson College, running back Colin Axford with North Central College, and athlete Riley Carson and defensive lineman Sergio Raygada with Western New Mexico.
Evan Wheeler, the offensive MVP of the state championship victory over Phoenix Arcadia as a receiver, is headed to Southeast Nebraska Community College as a baseball player.
A ceremony at Mica Mountain also featured state-champion golfer Tyla Greenwood signing with Eastern Washington.
Six other Thunderbolt athletes signed with college programs:
— Alana Alva, track and field, New Mexico State
— Lucas Hager, wrestling, Arizona Christian
— Peyton McNulty, gymnastics, Hamline University
— Landon McKendrick, soccer, Pima Community College
— Hudson Parker, golf, Indiana Wesleyan
— Raydon Rocha, baseball, Wallace Dothan Community College
Schmidt finished with 355 career tackles, including 159 with 18 tackles for loss last season when the Thunderbolts achieved their second consecutive 4A state title.
Carson had 42 receptions for 781 yards with nine touchdowns to go with three interceptions and averaging 40.2 yards in kickoff returns.
Reygada, who totaled 37 tackles and 6.5 sacks, had a significant pick-6 in the 4A championship game over previously unbeaten Phoenix Arcadia.
FLOWING WELLS
Prolific running back Jayden Simmons signed with Minot (N.D.) State after a career season in which he produced 1,238 yards on 140 carries with 20 touchdowns.
SALPOINTE
Isaiah Bright (Basketball, Southwestern College)
Emma “EC” Cazares (Soccer, Pima Community College)
Alon Deon (Football, Colorado State University–Pueblo)
Joseph Figueroa (Wrestling, Arizona Christian University)
Radley Gutierrez (Baseball, Cochise College)
Cruz Huerta (Football, Fort Lewis College)
Caitlin Hurley (Volleyball, New Mexico Highlands)
Macee Jackson (Softball, Texas State University)
Josh Mesiner (Football, University of New Mexico)
Anthony Milo, Jr. (Baseball, Trinity University)
Kate Mobley (Volleyball, Wichita State University)
Natalie Mobley (Volleyball, Colorado State University–Pueblo)
Nicole Monge (Volleyball, Colorado State University–Pueblo)
Alyssa Montano (Softball, Benedictine University)
Colton Raetzman (Baseball, Utah Tech University)
Mandy Tran (Soccer, Pima Community College)
MARANA
Marana prolific-passing quarterback Colten Meyer, who holds the Southern Arizona record with 9,070 passing yards, recently signed with Northern State (NCAA Division II school in Aberdeen, N.D.).
SOUTHERN ARIZONA CAREER PASSING LEADERS
1 Colten Meyer, Marana 9,070 (2023-25)
2 Cameron Hackworth, Sabino 8,797 (2020-23)
3 Rhett Rodriguez, Catalina Foothills 8,694 (2013-16)
4 Trenton Bourguet, Marana 7,612 (2015-18)
5 Andrew Cota, Sunnyside/Salpointe 7,554 (2010-13)
6 Reggie Robertson, Sahuaro 7,106 (1996-99)
7 Brian Chason, Tucson Christian 6,408 (1982-85)
8 Jayden Thoreson, Mica Mountain 6,329 (2021-24)
9 Elijah Joplin, Marana 6,074 (2020-2023)
10 Tyler D’Amore, Ironwood Ridge 5,915 (2008-10)
11 Adriell Alvarado, Cienega 5,910 (2012-15)
12 Adam Rodriguez, Desert View 5,774 (1985-89)
13 Bobby Valdez, Sunnyside 5,731 (1984-86)
14 Jovoni Borbon, Buena 5,666 (2016-19)
15 Gabriel Smith, Walden Grove 5,607 (2021-23)
16 Sebastian Lopez, Bisbee 5,309 (2021-2024)
17 Justice Summerset, Mountain View 5,257 (2013-15)
18 Alex Lopez, Walden Grove 5,062 (2017-19)
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