Gilberto Rodriguez is the seventh Columbus High School athlete to commit to play college athletics this year, but Rodriguez is the first member of his family who will be pursuing a college degree.

Rodriguez has been a key piece to the success that Columbus High has seen over the past couple of years, and looks to be just as important for the Central Community College Raiders soccer program. A large group of Rodriguez's classmates showed up for the signing to support him Tuesday afternoon.

"I didn't know like what to expect and ya I didn't really know what to expect," says Rodriguez, "Yeah, it's close to home so it saved me like a lot of time from traveling, and money, and overall it's a good college."

Columbus High head soccer coach John Arlt says he looks forward to Rodriguez's upcoming senior season, but says he will miss him once he moves on after his final year.

"The last two years he's led our team in scoring, but he does so much more than that. He's just a leader on the field, leader off the field. He's a great kid, good role model. [He] works really hard. He said last year that one of his goals was to play at the next level, so he was going to work hard to get there, and starting today he's achieved that goal," says Arlt.

CCC head coach Dave Silva says as he continues to build the program, signing Rodriguez is a great addition.

"I like the fact that he's from Columbus, last year he was elected first team all-state. He's a good midfielder," says Silva. "He comes from a great family. He is able to bring the community together, and I like the fact that he is able to contribute."

(Story and photo courtesy of the Columbus News Team.)