Posted: Jan 17, 2014

Owls Get Three to Sign Early

From left to right. Sophomore's Byron Smith and Philip Romano along with freshman Ryan Solomon are the first three Owls from the 2013 season to sign scholarship offers. Smith Photo By: Natalia Ponce, Romano Photo By: Jerrika Ramirez, and Solomon Photo By: Doug Bergen.

Glendora, CA -- The Citrus College Football program is pleased to announce that three athletes have signed early scholarship offers to continue their educational and playing careers at the four-year level. Offensive linemen Byron Smith (Colony HS) and Philip Romano (Covina HS), along with defensive back Ryan Solomon (Monrovia HS) will all be playing at the university level come next season.

Smith was a two year starter for Citrus, playing during the 2011 and 2013 season, while spending a red-shirt season in 2012. As a freshman, Smith was a 1st team All-SCFA West Conference honoree. Smith has signed with NCAA Division I FCS Southeastern Louisiana University. Romano was also a two-year starter on the Owls' line, earning All-SCFA Central Division National Conference Honorable Mention honors in 2012 and 2013. Romano will be attending NCAA DII Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

"Southeastern Louisiana, felt like it was going to be a good place for me, and a place where I can finish my degree. It helps that we've had other guys go there and I'm looking forward to being on a team with them again," Smith said. "It's a smaller school atmosphere, and I think I'll be able to adjust well to something a little different then what I'm used to and it'll be a good fit for me."

"The biggest lesson I've gotten out of being a Citrus Athlete, is that if you want something go for it," Smith said. "Don't ever give up. I learned a lot about myself here, and it has made me a better student-athlete."

"I chose Northwestern Oklahoma State, because they've given me a great chance to continue my education and play football, while experiencing another part of the country," Romano said. "Citrus has played a big role for me the last couple of years. It's been a great stepping stone for the four-year level. Without Citrus College I wouldn't be where I am now."

The final member of the trio is Solomon who has signed on with NCAA DII Missouri Southern State University. Solomon will head to the Lions with three years of eligibility, after sitting out the 2013 sophomore season as a red-shirt. As a freshman in 2012, Solomon recorded 25 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and recovered a fumble.

"When I talked to the coaching staff at Missouri Southern, they sold me on the fact that they are a program on the upswing. They're going to give me a chance to showcase my abilities," Solomon said. "Citrus has played a big role for me over the last two seasons. Walking in there from day one, the coaches made it feel like a family. Everyone being there for each other, and helping us get set-up for the next phase of our life."

"In the Citrus College Football program we take pride in helping our athletes move on to the next level and continue their educations," said Citrus College Head Football Coach Ron Ponciano. " These three student-athletes have worked hard to put themselves in the positions they are in today, and that hard work has paid off."