MOSES LAKE – Thursday was a special day for Jaciel Valdez as he signed his letter of intent with Southwest Oregon Community College and will join their cross-country team this fall. Head coach Larry Dagnon knew this day would come for Valdez.  

“He's got such high character, and he has worked so hard and to see it come to a fitting end for a beginning, you know, he just gets this amazing opportunity to go on to further his education, to further his athletic career, it couldn't happen to a nicer, more deserving person, and he's just barely touched the surface of what he can do as a runner,” he said.  

When Valdez sat down to sign his letter of intent, he was surrounded by coaches, teammates and his mother. Many took the chance to speak openly about how proud they were of him and how far he had come. 

According to Valdez, he is the first in his family to graduate from high school.  

“It means a lot to me. It shows that people care about me and my future. It shows that they're on my side, and that means a lot to me,” Valdez said.  

In the fall, Valdez put together a strong final season. At the CBBN League Meet, he ran 17:32.7 in the 5000-meter race, which was a personal record for him. His five years of running had built to this point, and his coaches saw his work ethic pay off.  

“What will be missed, but not gone, is his leadership. He's taught (his teammates) how to lead by just showing up, doing the right thing, saying the right thing, and he does both, and he's taught other kids,” Dagnon said.  

Other teammates said they often saw Valdez coming out to train in the evenings when the sun was going down because of the other extracurriculars he was involved in. According to his teammates and coaches, he has only ever missed one practice in his entire career.  

Valdez’s mother sat right by his side when he signed his letter and exuded joy for her son.  

“He has been through a lot of ups and downs, but I've told him a lot of times to keep going. There are going to be ups and downs, and he's very strong and very positive,” she said.  

Ms. Valdez said she is happy to see her son go to college and accomplish great things. Dagnon spoke to his potential during the signing, too.  

“Your future in running, you've just barely touched the surface. We expect to see you, not only on that varsity team down there at southwestern Oregon; we expect to see you getting into that scoring position for them, and then by the time you graduate, sky's the limit,” Dagnon said. 

Valdez said he chose Southwest Oregon Community College because he’s always wanted to go to school in Oregon, but also because his favorite runner, Steve Prefontaine, grew up there. He said he looks forward to improving his running times at the college and eventually moving on to a division one or two school.  

    Mavericks Jaciel Valdez signs his letter of intent at Southwest Oregon Community College. Valdez said he is the first in his family to graduate from high school.
  

    The Mavericks' Jaciel Valdez smiles for a photo surrounded by his coaching staff. Head coach Larry Dagnon, far right, praised Valdez for his high character and work ethic.
  

    Mavericks Jaciel Valdez smiles for a photo surrounded by teammates, friends, and his mother. Many of his teammates spoke openly about his work ethic and dedication to the cross-country team.
  

    Jaciel Valdez and his teammates put horns up during his college signing. Valdez said he will miss all the memories he has made with his teammates in cross-country.