CANYON COUNTRY — Friends, family and faculty gathered in the Canyon High School gymnasium to watch six student-athletes celebrate their college choices during a “Signing Day” ceremony on Wednesday.
Four of the six athletes moving on to college sports compete in cross country or track and field, highlighting the program’s strength in producing both top-level athletes and dedicated students.
George Velarde, the school’s head coach for cross country and track and field, said the program’s success comes from its culture.
“We have built a culture of work ethic, that right there is the foundation,” Velarde said. “Being consistent on a daily basis. When you have those things working together as a coaching staff and with the athletes, that’s a great recipe for success.”
Jordehn Gammage, the boys 300-meter hurdles state champion in 2024, was Canyon’s most high-profile signee. He garnered attention from multiple top programs, including USC and the University of Washington. However, he chose the Air Force Academy in order to set himself up for a life beyond college and track.
His decision was a source of pride for his parents and Velarde.
“Choosing the Air Force Academy was definitely for my future,” Gammage said. “It will be the best for me and my goals after track. I really felt wanted by the coaches and it felt like home. The guys on the team all welcomed me and I got to meet people that wanted to go on the same path as me.”
Gammage hopes to return to the CIF State meet in May for a chance to defend his 300 hurdles crown.
Another Canyon Cowboy making the collegiate jump is track competitor Jocelyn Cruz. She helped lead Canyon this season to two first-place finishes in the 4×400 relay, as well as an individual fifth-place finish in the 600 meters at the Foothill League meet with a personal-best 2:33.62. She will attend the University of La Verne, pursuing a degree in psychology.
“It’s not easy. You have to be willing to work every day, even when you don’t want to,” Cruz said. “There are days where I don’t want to run, where I feel tired. It’s a lot easier when you have a coach and teammates who are willing to help you and that care for you.”
Jassmine Enamorado, who finished first in the 3,200 at the Trabuco Hills Invitational, will attend Westmont College.
Last season Enamorado and Cruz helped lead Canyon to their first state championship appearance since 2003, another highlight for Velarde.
The fourth and final Cowboys track athlete to sign was Jeremiah Torres, who didn’t reveal his college decision to his teammates until Wednesday’s event at the school. A standout in the 800, Torres committed to Cal State Monterey Bay.
Canyon’s James Audette and Benny Santos signed for men’s volleyball and baseball, respectively.
Audette will attend UC Santa Cruz while Santos goes on to Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.
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