LYNNWOOD—Several student athletes from the Lynnwood area are set to continue their football careers at the collegiate level. After graduating high school this spring, these athletes have committed to playing at various colleges and universities, representing their hometown and serving as positive examples for future generations.
Mountlake Terrace High School
Three student-athletes from Mountlake Terrace High School will compete at the college level next year:
Zaveon Jones, Running Back, College of the Siskiyous
Jones, known for his standout senior season in 2023, where he rushed for over 1,600 yards and 20 touchdowns, will bring his talent to the College of the Siskiyous in Weed, California. The college is renowned for its football program in the California Community College Athletic Association (3C 2A), known for producing athletes like Aaron Rodgers.
“Great fit for him!” said Mountlake Terrace Head Coach Archie Malloy III. “Siskiyous gives Zaveon a chance to play at a high level down the road, and Zaveon will be a big-time player,” Malloy continued.
Tyler Shankle, Defensive Back, University of Puget Sound
Shankle, a three-time varsity team captain and scholar athlete, will stay in-state to compete at the NCAA Division III level with the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma.
Shankle’s High School Coach Archie Malloy III said, “[Shankle] Works hard and will bring toughness and discipline to the UPS team.”
UPS Head Coach Jeff Thomas expects Shankle to enhance their secondary and was impressed with his skill set.
Trevor Coble, Offensive Line, Pacific Lutheran University
Coble will join high school teammate Shankle as another Mountlake Terrace representative at the NCAA Division III level in the “south sound” at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). PLU expects Coble to compete for a spot on the field this fall.
Coach Malloy at Mount Lake Terrace said [Coble is a] self-made player with tremendous work ethic and upside, who will fit in excellent at PLU.”
“I chose the college [PLU] because I liked the team atmosphere and because they came to see me to get me to play,” said Coble… “What I want to bring to the college field is to keep my good effort and attitude,” Coble continued.
Meadowdale High School
Graduates from Meadowdale High School are also making strides in collegiate football this fall:
Kelvin Mudaliar, Defensive Line, Western Oregon University
Mudaliar, after a successful senior season with six sacks and 44 tackles, will play NCAA Division II football for Western Oregon University.
“I will bring someone ready to work and disrupt other teams’ offense,” Mudaliar stated.
Victor Eicher, Wide Receiver, College of the Redwoods
Meadowdale’s Eicher is one of two MHS players who will play in California for the College of the Redwoods. The Redwoods also compete with the College of the Siskiyous in the 3C2A.
In his senior season as a receiver, Eicher racked up 650 receiving yards with eight touchdowns while snagging eight interceptions as a Defensive Back.
“I made my decision [to go to Redwoods] because it was the best option for me for sports and my education because, after sports, I want to pursue a trade,” said Eicher.
Eicher hopes to use his skillset to help the Corsairs’ Football Program. “I bring hard work, leadership, and the ability to go up and get the ball,” he said.
Augie Wilrich, College of the Redwoods
Eicher’s high school teammate, Augie Wilrich, is joining Eicher at College of the Redwoods. Wilrich, a Running Back at Meadowdale High School, ran for over 500 yards with seven touchdowns last season, averaging 5.4 yards a carry. Wilrich will follow Eicher to Redwoods.
“I wanted to play football but knew that Washington wasn’t the place for me to be able to. I decided that the Redwoods location was the perfect fit for me. It has shown that I have an opportunity to do well, and I think I would be able to suit them well,” Wilrich said in his commitment to Redwoods.
Wilrich is a big, physical Running Back who can also play a Fullback role and is expected to bring those skills to the Corsair’s offensive attack.
” I can bring a drive and attitude that many players lack. I am more of a fullback, which isn’t very common now, so I have a different approach, but I feel I could do well for the team,” said Wilrich.
Author: Merrick Parnell
