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Football players extend their careers
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: February 19, 2015

Three Valley Center High School seniors signed letters of intent Feb. 4 and 5 to continue their football careers at the next level.

Alec Wetig committed to Garden City Community College. Zach White and Chance Sowers signed to play at Hutchinson Community College.

Hornet coach Caleb Smith said he was proud of the three athletes.

"It's not going to be an easy process for all three of them," Smith said. "… The expectations are a lot higher. They're going to have to work really hard."

Alec Wetig

Wetig said he's excited about the opportunity.

"I know everybody's going to be bigger, faster, stronger," he said. "That's basically what I'm working on now. This is what I've wanted my whole life so I know I'm going to have to work for it."

Wetig wore many hats for the 3-6 Hornets last fall. He was a wide receiver, kick and punt returner, defensive back and running back.

Wetig was second-team All-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League II as a special teams player. He also was the Hornets' special teams player of the year.

"I think he'll fit best there as receiver," Smith said. "With his speed and ability, I think he can contribute."

Wetig, who said he wants to study sports administration, was impressed by the program and its new coach, Jeff Sims.

"To hear him talking and what he was all about really kind of made the decision for me," Wetig said. "Everywhere he's been he's a winner. … I know he's a guy that can help me reach my full potential."

Zach White

White is thankful for the opportunity to play for Hutchinson Community College.

Coming off an ankle injury that sidelined him all of 2013, White's senior season was less than what he wanted to accomplish.

Now, he's determined to fully overcome the injury physically and mentally.

"I had a bad year, and they saw past that," White said. "I saw myself playing at the next level. I have confidence in myself. In football season, I wasn't as confident in myself. It's definitely coming back. I think track is going to help that a lot."

White, a sprinter, is a two-time state track placer and a three-time qualifier.

Smith said White's best days are ahead of him.

"With his speed and his strength, if he can continue to recover from that ankle injury, I think the best years are still to come as far as what he can do on the football field," Smith said. "… Zach's a guy who keeps trying no matter what. I think he's the type of guy that will put in the time it takes to be successful."

White said he was impressed by Hutchinson's coaches and facilities.

He hopes to play running back or receiver for the Blue Dragons.

"They just said they're excited about my speed," White said.

White said he was blessed by his upbringing in Valley Center.

"When I moved to Valley Center I didn't have many people," he said. "It's just crazy how many people care about you in such a small town. I just hope that one day I can do something for the community. I just want to give back. I just want to impact lives. It is crazy how many people impacted my life. Sometimes you have to stop and look around and appreciate what God gives you."

White said he plans to study exercise science.

Chance Sowers

The minute Sowers stepped onto a football field as a fifth-grader, he was hooked.

"I just want to play football forever," he said. "I want to play as long as I can. I've never lost that passion. Still, hopefully one day, I want to play on the D-I level. That's why I chose community college."

Sowers, who played defensive lineman and linebacker for the Hornets the past two seasons, may return to the defensive secondary, where he spent much of his youth football career.

"Chance has been in the weight room two times a day ever since I've been here," Smith said. "He loves the weight room. He loves to work hard. He's a fast kid, a strong kid. He's got a lot of tools to help him be successful at that level."

Sowers finished his senior year with four sacks and 51 total tackles.

"The reason I chose Hutch is they've got a successful program right now," Sowers said. "… I prayed about it a little bit and it just felt like that was the right decision to go with."

Sowers said he's looking forward to playing defensive back. He said he's working on improving his quickness on the field.

Sowers said he will miss Valley Center High School.

"I'm going to miss these guys and this community," he said. "I love it here. … It's been a great time and a great experience. It's a great town."

All three seniors said they are leaving the Hornet football program with mixed emotions.

They said the Hornets are headed in the right direction.

"I think our senior class really established work ethic," Sowers said. "I still kind of want to be involved here if coach Smith lets me. I feel like this program is really turning around."

The program has potential to succeed, Wetig said.

"It started with last year's class setting the first stone," he said. "I think we did some great things, and it's only going up from here. I'll definitely miss it."

White said players built long-lasting relationships.

"I feel like they know what needs to be done now to be successful," White said. "Personally, I hope they do better than we did last year."

Smith said the senior class set a good example.

"The senior class, definitely the last two years, has set the tempo for our program, especially with hard work," he said. "I think that's something the kids under them are starting to realize that this class really worked their butts off and that's the level we expect now. As you continue to see our program grow, I think you'll continue to see more guys signing."






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