RIO HONDO — It was a banner year for Rio Hondo football and the entire athletic program as the Bobcats have seen many of their athletes sign on to play at the college level.
On Wednesday that list grew as both Tyler Bush and Jake Martinez signed their names on the dotted line to play football at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. This will be Clarke’s inaugural football season.
“This is a dream come true for me; this has always been a dream of mine ever since I was a little kid,” said Martinez. “I have always wanted to play at the college level and I’m excited to go to Iowa. I haven’t visited campus yet, but from what I’ve seen it’s beautiful and I love the cold weather.”
Martinez was a mainstay at center for the Bobcats the last three seasons and was named first team all-district at the center position.
Meanwhile, his signal caller Bush wrapped up a strong high school career and will take his talents to the college level as a slot receiver.
This year Bush guided Rio Hondo to an unbeaten district season and a bi-district title. He was named league MVP of the as well as the Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR Offensive Player of the Year.
“It’s a big day for me; this is something I have been looking forward to,” Bush said. “Everyone wants to play at the college level so it’s exciting for me to be able to keep playing. Clarke reached out to me and gave me an opportunity, and I wanted to take advantage of it. We haven’t visited campus yet, they just offered us a spot right then and there.
“I’m excited Jake is going with me; we have played together our whole lives,” continued Bush. “It is going to be something new for us, but we’re ready to take on the challenge and I’m ready to take on the challenge of playing slot receiver, which is something I have been looking forward to.”
