Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Portales High seniors Emilio Lovato, left, and Trenton Small hold up their ENMU jerseys during their signing celebration commemorating their commitment to Eastern New Mexico University baseball and football, respectively, on Thursday.
PORTALES - Portales High celebrated two of its finest on Thursday, holding a ceremony for football standout Trenton Small and ace pitcher Emilio Lovato after both recently signed with Eastern New Mexico University.
While both student-athletes officially signed with ENMU 1 on national signing day on Feb. 1, both wanted to celebrate the achievement with friends and family together at the high school. In attendance were not only their families, but friends, fellow students, coaches and members of the administration.
Both say the main reason for choosing Eastern was due to its proximity to home. Both also said they have aspirations to continue their sport after their collegiate careers.
"I'm trying to continue my career, show (professional baseball) what I've got and keep playing my heart out," Lovato said. "I got to be close to home with my family and friends being able to see me play."
Small concurred.
"Close to home, growing up I was always watching Eastern football so I figured it would be a good fit," he said. "I just want to go as far as football will take me and I've always had big dreams, so I will just continue to chase those dreams."
Small also said the recent coaching change at ENMU didn't weight into his decision.
"I've known both coaches since I was little, so it doesn't change anything," he said.
