Two more Galion athletes have decided to continue playing at the college level.
Paul Keller and Taylor Valentine took their place on the stage in the cafeteria of Galion High School, surrounded by family, as they signed to commit playing their respective sports.
Keller was an offensive lineman on the Galion the team and has actively played on the field since his junior year. He will play as a guard for the football program at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea within the Cleveland area. He plans to major in criminal justice with a minor in coaching, he said.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “Can’t wait to get there.”
He said Galion’s football program taught him how hard work get’s “you to places.” His parents agreed.
“I’m extremely proud of Paul,” said Shannon Stout, Keller’s mother. “He’s come out of his shell.”
Ty Keller, Paul’s father, said he appreciated the help from Galion’s coaching staff.
“Especially (Chris) Hawkins,” he said, referring to Galion’s now former head coach.
Aside from football, Heidelberg University in Tiffin will have one of Galion’s star volleyball player next year. Taylor Valentine will be studying health sciences while playing her top sport for the school.
“I’m excited playing volleyball for four more years,” she said.
Taylor’s mother Galion volleyball head coach Jaime Valentine said she’s proud of her daughter as both a coach and a parent.
“I think it (Heidelberg) is a good fit for her,” she said.
“(The university is) getting a good athlete,” Taylor’s father Matt Valentine said.
Taylor finished her senior year in volleyball with 470 kills, 427 digs and 29 serving aces.
