San Benito High School football standout Lionel “LJ” Garcia is pictured signing on to play football with Lindenwood University. Joining him are (front, from left) his brother Leroy Garcia, mother Lidia Garcia, grandmother Estella Garcia, (back) San Benito High School principal Delia Weaver, Lindenwood Admissions Counselor Ben Lopez and San Benito coaches Jaime Vela and Ramiro Partida. (Staff photo by Michael Rodriguez)
By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
San Benito Greyhound wide receiver Lionel “LJ” Garcia will be taking his talents on the gridiron to Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.
Garcia was responsible for lighting up opposing defenses along with quarterback Jacob Puente in 2011. The tandem of Puente and Garcia worked favorably for the Greyhounds as the team was able to secure its first district championship since 2004.
“His academics are solid and have good study habits that will help him for college,” Lindenwood Admissions Counselor Ben Lopez said about Garcia in a Lindenwood press release. “He will be playing football at the next level, but with the program that San Benito has, he will be ready to do his job.”
Lopez added, “We feel very fortunate to have a student athletic like Lionel. From what I have seen, I am very impressed with his attitude. He knows what he wants and that is to get a good education and to get to play his favorite sport.”
Lindenwood is a four-year liberal arts institution that participates in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, according to Lopez.
It was at a recent signing in when Garcia, who was surrounded by his family and San Benito High School coaches Jaime Vela and Ramiro Partida, inked a letter of intent to play for Lindenwood. There, inside the SBHS varsity gymnasium, Garcia expressed excitement to play football at the college level.
“I’m excited because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do – play college football,” Garcia said.
To read this story in print, pick up a copy of the August 29 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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