Rattler accepts football scholarship

Thomas Garcia

QCS Senior Writer

Tucumcari High School senior Clay Carter signed his letter of intent to play college football as a defensive lineman for Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas.

“I am excited about the chance to further my education and play football at the next level,” Carter said.

The Sterling College Warriors are a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri.

Carter said the scholarship, which will cover half the cost of his tuition, meals and board, not only represents a chance to play football in college, it's the opportunity for him to earn a degree in finance and economics.

Carter’s chose to pursue the field of finance in honor of his mother, Ana Gardea, who works in finance. She believes her son's start into the field will be easier than hers.

“I am beyond proud for my son,” Gardea said.

Gardea said this scholarship is going to give her son an advantage in planning his future. She said it's so hard for a teenager to see just how important a scholarship is and how it can propel someone to success.

Gardea said it is hard for a teenager to see past the four years of high school to what awaits them. She said as a high school dropout, she knows all to well just how hard it is to succeed in life.

“It took a lot of hard work and I am so happy he has chosen an easier path than I did,” Gardea said.

Carter said the scholarship gives him a chance to earn a degree, but it also gives him a chance to represent the Rattlers and the Tucumcari community on the football field.

Carter being selected for this scholarship to play football "speaks volumes to the Rattler football program and its coaches," said Wayne Ferguson, Rattlers head football coach.

Ferguson said the scholarship shows that the program is getting recognition and colleges are looking at Tucumcari players.