As Race Scalici was in the midst of an unbeaten wrestling season, more and more colleges started to reach out. Once he captured his first career state title at 157-pounds – and with an unblemished record – the interest reached a fever pitch.
“Even more colleges hit me up and that gave me really good exposure,” Scalici said.
There was one school that was highly interested in getting W.F. West’s star to campus, well before any of his senior season accomplishments.
In the city of Bristol, Tennessee, it’s where Scalici will call home for the next four years.
Alongside many of his athletic peers, Scalici put ink to paper to continue his wrestling career at NCAA Division II King University on Thursday at a signing day event held in the W.F. West commons.
“I really like the community and I felt wanted there,” Scalici said. “A lot of schools they’ll try to rush you in the process. King gave me a good timeline, especially during my state tournament run, they were always checking in on me. I’m really big on loyalty.”
The Tornados solidified another PNW recruit and Scalici will join heavyweight Teo Armendariz (Sunnyside) and lightweight Adan Estrada (Zillah) in the room. As an added bonus, the whole family will be moving to the Tennessee area.
Scalici mentioned his mom and dad are wanting a fresh start and throughout the process, the three of them zeroed in on either the Volunteer State, Kentucky or Virginia
“It is going to be a big step,” Scalici said. “I’ll see them on occasion, wherever they move, they’ll be within an hour of me.”
There were moments throughout his prep career where Scalici remained confident he’d wrestle at the next level. Even early on when he was not the best guy in the room, admitting he wasn’t the “top dog.” Eventually, everything clicked.
And it all culminated in the second straight winter where a W.F. West wrestler ended up on top in Class 2A inside the Tacoma Dome.
When Scalici had the microphone, he thanked his family and coaches for pushing him. His plan academically is to study exercise science with the goal to be a physical therapist.
“They had belief in me,” he said of King. “I know they trusted in me too. It will set me up to win a National Championship.”
Connor Coleman, the lone DI recruit of the bunch, signed with Washington State to continue his baseball career. Two of his teammates – Miles Martin and Beckman Dvorak – are heading to Mt. Hood Community College and Centralia College, respectively.
A pair of track and field athletes in Peyton Santiago and Hayden North will stay teammates when they head to Clackamas Community College. Scalici’s wrestling partner Graysen Serl will take his talents to Big Bend CC.
Jax Potter (South Puget Sound CC) will golf at the next level while Linnea Whaley (Highline CC) will stay on the diamond to play softball. And Bearcat bowler Daniel Chalmers will continue competing at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
