S-C’s Contreras Accepts Scholarship To Run For SFCC

Smith-Cotton High School senior Jorge Contreras has accepted an athletic scholarship to run cross country and track for State Fair Community College in Sedalia.

Contreras, son of Daniela Silva and Oscar Ibarra Silva, was captain of the Smith-Cotton Cross Country Team this past fall. In Cross Country, his 5K personal record is 19:42, achieved at the District Championships in November.

In Track, his 3200 meters PR is 11:45.30, ran on April 23 at the Smith-Cotton Invitational. Smith-Cotton Cross Country Head Coach David Holiway said, “Jorge joined the Track team just last year, and he has made excellent progress as a runner every day since. He primarily runs the 3200-meter run (2-mile), and he has increased his PR in that race by leaps and bounds through hard work and consistent dedication. Jorge is a young man of great faith, character, and loyalty. He is a positive leader and an exceptional teammate. We are all very proud of him."

Cooper Pauley, Cross Country assistant coach at SFCC, said: “Based on what Coach Holiway has told me, we know how hard of a worker and a great kid (Contreras) is. We’re big on culture at State Fair and in our program, so to have somebody who is as high character as he is (will be beneficial)."

Pauley noted that Contreras is relatively new to distance running, picking up the sport just about a year ago.

“I see him progressing a lot over the next couple of years with us,” Pauley said. “Seeing that progress is going to be huge for us.”

In the photo: Smith-Cotton High School senior Jorge Contreras has accepted an athletic scholarship to run cross country and track for State Fair Community College in Sedalia. Seated with him at the table are his parents, Daniela Silva and Oscar Ibarra Silva; back row, from left: Smith-Cotton Assistant Principal Joe Doyle, SFCC Cross Country Assistant Coach Cooper Pauley, Smith-Cotton Cross Country Head Coach David Holiway, and Smith-Cotton Activities Director Kyle Middleton.