CHS senior signs to play baseball at Gateway CC

Cibola High School first baseman and pitcher Izaak Varela signed with Gateway Community College in Phoenix to play baseball next season.

“Izaak has been an instrumental part of the Cibola baseball program’s success since his arrival his freshman year,” Cibola baseball coach Larsen Jones said. “His hard work and dedication to his craft makes him the great player that he is. Our entire coaching staff and program want to thank him and wish him luck and success at the next level.”

Varela, a senior, helped anchor the middle of the batting order for the Raiders, who finished with a 20-9 record and advanced to the play-in round of the postseason. Varela had a .329 batting average in 27 games, hit 2 home runs and finished second on the team in RBIs (27) and doubles (8).

“I believe the Cibola Baseball program has helped me prepare for the collegiate level by being able to be a leader for my team and also being able to compete against great competitive schools across Arizona,” Varela said. “All of my coaches throughout my journey have really pushed me to play my best and not only to be an athlete, but how to be a good student and a great person on and off the field. I will forever be thankful for the coaches and program for pushing me all these years.”