Caius Lastra signs to run at Central Arizona College

The senior speedster is taking his talent to the collegiate level

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Caius Lastra is taking the next step in his running career.

The Cibola Raiders senior cross country and track standout signed his letter of intent to compete for the Central Arizona Vaqueros, joining a program in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference.

Lastra said he is eager to begin his collegiate career and contribute to the program’s success.

“I’m really excited,” Lastra said. “I want to try to bring this team back up to Division I, and I can’t wait to run with my new teammates and my old teammate Micah.”

In addition to reuniting, he hopes to bring some hardware to CAC.

”I just want to win a championship and bring out the best in me and my teammates.”

While looking ahead to his future in Coolidge, Arizona, Lastra also reflected on his time at Cibola and the moments that shaped his high school career.

“Just traveling with the team, having a good time and hanging out with each other,” he said. “One of the best memories is coach Amy yelling at me, telling me to keep going and teaching me the difference between soreness and injury.... I’m still trying to figure that out.”

Lastra credited several teammates and coaches for helping him develop into the runner he is today as well.

“I’d like to thank Micah Paynatto, Daniel Perez, Allen Ornelas, Isaiah Lazaro, Gavin Ramirez, Javier Schwam and Alex Figueroa. I'd like to thank them for forming me into the runner I am,” he said. “And coach Amy for showing me what to do to get to this point.”

Surrounded by family, teammates and coaches, Lastra celebrated the milestone as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.

In addition to cross country, he plans to compete in track events, including the steeplechase, at Central Arizona College.