Robbinsville – It was quite fitting that Rossi Wachacha signed to play college football on the same field where he made a name for himself.
Prior to June 30's R-Club Athletic Banquet at Modeal Walsh Memorial Stadium, Wachacha put his name on a letter of intent to suit up for the Lenoir-Rhyne University Bears. Lenoir-Rhyne is an NCAA Division II school in Hickory, which competes in the South Atlantic Conference.
"It feels amazing," Wachacha said. "I've always dreamed about being able to play in college and it just feels like a dream come true."
A multi-sport athlete for Robbinsville – Wachacha also competed in basketball, baseball and track for the Black Knights – football has forever been his top passion.
"I've grown up watching and playing football my whole life," Wachacha explained. "I have been honored and gifted enough by God to be able to go to the next level. It took a lot of support and a lot of growing to be able to make it this far."
Wachacha added that the decision to join Lenoir-Rhyne's ranks was a no-brainer.
"When I went to go see Lenoir-Rhyne myself, it was a small and beautiful campus," said Wachacha. "The stadium felt like I was going to feel right at home."
As a tight end/defensive end for Robbinsville, Wachacha's senior year ended with 30 tackles (five for a loss), three sacks, two blocked kicks, two interceptions. He also had two receptions, for 39 yards and was named to the All-Smoky Mountain Conference team.
While at Lenoir-Rhyne, Wachacha plans to pursue a degree in business administration, with a minor in history.