LORAIN — It was an emotional ceremony for Pete Rufo at Lorain High School as he signed his National Letter of Intent to play football at Valparaiso on Thursday.

The multi-sport athlete has defined the term "student-athlete" during his time at Admiral King and Lorain High Schools and signed on to do the same thing at Valparaiso for the next four years.

"For my family to see me sign that letter, it makes me speechless," Rufo said. "For the city and the school, I’m trying to pave a path for future underclassmen to become seniors to see what I did and to see what it takes."

Rufo lettered in five different sports during high school and is a member of National Honors Society, Men of Honor and Friends of Rachel, he also volunteers at the Ireland Cancer Center among other community services.

He made a clear impression on his peers and his teachers and coaches.

"Pete Rufo has been a very important part of Lorain City Schools athletics over the last four years, not only the athletic program but the community as a whole," Lorain athletic director Bryan Koury said. "He’s been a tremendous contributor on the playing field and off the playing field and we’re very proud of him."

Rufo was a captain on the football team this season as the city merged Southview and Admiral King into one school at Lorain High.

Through basketball and track season, he’s seen a growing together of the high school, something he’ll carry with him.

"Seeing everyone from the beginning of the year in football season and now into track season, everyone is like brothers," Rufo said.

With numerous family members present, Rufo beamed with pride. He said choosing Valparaiso was solely based on academics, but he also felt comfortable.

"Everyone was so friendly there, it reminded me a lot of my family," Rufo said.

Rufo will major in mechanical engineering with a minor in biology. He’ll play slot receiver on the football team.

He said he has two seniors playing ahead of him so he will have an easier time learning second-year coach Dale Carlson’s schemes, something he’s glad for.

"It will give me a great opportunity to learn from them, they’ve been in the system for a year under the new coach," Rufo said.

That’s not a surprise to his coach last year, Todd Auvil, who said Rufo is all about helping his team first.

"Pete was never an individual. He always looked for the betterment of the team," Auvil said. "Some people in Lorain use courage, honor and commitment as catch phrases, but for Pete Rufo, that really is his credo."

courtesy of Colin Wilson