One full ride. East High School senior Francisco Escutia signs a letter of intent to play soccer at Maple Woods Community College. Pictured in the background is Escutia’s family, Claudia, Estela, Francisco and Blanca Escutia. Escutia will receive a full-ride two-year scholarship at the college and plans to major in chemical engineering. Leslie Collins

By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
Feb. 16, 2011

From the age of 12, Francisco Escutia began playing soccer, and now his dedication is paying off in the form of a scholarship.

Feb. 9, Escutia signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Maple Woods Community College and will receive a full-ride, two-year scholarship. Escutia plans to major in chemical engineering.

“I never expected this. It feels good,” said Escutia, a senior at East High School.

“I’m very proud he’s making the step to go onto college after high school,” Escutia’s mother, Estela Escutia, said through an interpreter. “We support him all the way through.”

For three years, Escutia has played soccer at EHS and the last two years, he’s served as captain of the team.

“He’s a hard working player,” EHS Assistant Varsity Boys’ Soccer Coach William Malott said. “He sets an example for everyone else.

“It’s one of those opportunities (scholarship) kids in the district don’t get (often) and you’re really happy to see people who deserve good things get good things.

“I’m pretty sure he’ll do awesome for the (Maple Woods) team. He’s the kind of kid that will end up leading his team at the collegiate level.”