Quilcene’s Kevin Alejo is headed to the college gridiron to play football for Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho.

The senior linebacker, fullback, and wide receiver earned an offer from the university to play football next year after a sublime season with the Quilcene Rangers that saw the team reach the 1B state football championship for the first time ever.

To celebrate Alejo’s promotion to college football, Quilcene hosted a signing ceremony in late March at the school.

A crowd of more than a hundred students, coaches, and supporters gathered in the gymnasium to hear from Alejo and Ranger football coaches Trey Beathard and Byron Wilson.

“We’re proud of Kevin and we want to do everything we can to support him. He’s really progressed as an athlete since he’s been at Quilcene,” Wilson said during the ceremony. “And I believe he’s also become a much better student since he’s been in Quilcene. And he’s done that by working hard.”

“I’ve known him probably at least six or seven years, and he’s done a good job of self-improvement,” Beathard said.

“He’s made himself a better student and a better athlete. We made it to the state championship and Kevin was a big part of that as a defensive player and as a lead blocker. He played unselfishly,” the head coach said.

Racking up around 1,300 all-purpose yards and seven interceptions, along with being one of the team’s leading tacklers, Alejo had a spectacular 2021 season.

As the lead blocker for running back Bishop Budnek, Alejo was an integral part of the Rangers’ dangerous, smash-mouth offense that led them to the state title game.

During the ceremony, Alejo thanked coaches, players, parents, teachers, and fans for backing him throughout his time as a Ranger.

“To my coaches: I don’t know what I would’ve done without you guys. Coming to this school I wasn’t the best, getting in trouble and stuff. A lot of the teaching staff guided me, along with these two coaches right here,” Alejo said, pointing to Wilson and Beathard. “[They] guided me on the field, but not just on the field, but in the classroom. They were always there and always helping.”

“To the players on my team … there have been so many times I’ve looked up to you guys and you’ve made me a better person. We’ve grown up together and it’s been an amazing journey and ride,” Alejo added.

Alejo thanked his parents — who were sitting by his side during the ceremony — for raising him and having his back through the good and the bad.

“It’s more than just being an athlete and more than just your skills; it’s about who you are and who you’re going to be after high school,” Alejo said.

“I wouldn’t be up here right now if I didn’t have you guys in my life, so I really appreciate that. I love this school so much.”