Senior Athletes

Arcata High’s senior athletes

Zoe Macknicki

Reporter

Playing sports is a big part of high school for many students. While some students dream of having the opportunity of playing at the collegiate level, many don’t get this chance. The 2022 graduating class at Arcata High School has many seniors who will have the opportunity to continue their sport at the college they will be attending in the fall.

Kai Purcell will continue his academic and athletic career at the College of the Redwoods this fall to major in humanities and communications while also continuing to play basketball.

“I’m most excited to not only be able to play at the next level, but also continue to play in front of my family and hometown friends. I thought about moving somewhere else, and then I remembered how good La Chiquta’s burritos were,” he said.

Ray Hamill/Humboldt Sports Senior Alex Gorge, in action at the Charlie Lakin Tournament Championship game on May 14

Alex Gorge is one of many seniors taking his baseball career to the collegiate level. Gorge plans to attend Shasta College in the fall. He will major in fire science and continue his path to play baseball there. “I enjoy the sport, and Shasta gave me an opportunity to do what I want with my future,” Gorge said.

Carson Tucker, a co-captain of the football team, plans to continue football. Tucker is trying to decide between Contra Costa College and Butte College, majoring in sociology. He has played on the Arcata High football team for four years, and he is excited to compete and make new friends.

Ray Hamill/Humboldt Sports Senior Carson Tucker, running down the field to score big for the Arcata High Tigers during the 2021 fall season

Ray Hamill/Humboldt Sports Senior Kai Purcell, playing in the Niclai tournament this February against the Crusaders

Vincent Agliolo plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior College this fall where he will continue to play baseball. He has been playing baseball since he was eight and is excited to play at the next level and continue to improve and get experience.

“It’s always been a passion for me, I want to be able to play baseball as long as I can,” Agliolo said.

Chet Keasey plans to attend College of the Redwoods this fall and will continue to play baseball while there. Keasey really enjoys playing baseball and is excited to meet new teammates and continue to play at the collegiate level. “It’s a fun sport to do, and if I have time to do it, I would like to continue to do it,” he said.

Ray Hamill/Humboldt Sports Senior Chet Keasey, running the bases on May 8 as they play McKinleyville High Panthers

Ray Hamill/Humboldt Sports Senior Vincent Agliolo pitching against the McKinleyville Panthers on April 22nd

Sam Trewartha will attend College of the Redwoods to major in business and play basketball. He is excited to start the season at CR and to be able to continue his athletic and academic career at CR.

“It’s super fun, there’s nothing else quite like it, it’s a team sport and you get to make new friends that you wouldn’t normally make,” Trewartha said.

Ray Hamill/Humboldt Sports Senior Sam Trewartha, playing during the 2022 winter season