Three Owls to Continue Playing Careers
Three Citrus College football players are set to continue their collegiate careers at NCAA Division II institutions. Jake Maggio is headed to West Liberty University, Jacob Ray joins the roster at Chowan University, and Matthew Littlejohn makes his way to Angelo State University.
Maggio, a freshman long snapper from New Jersey, heads back to the East Coast to join the Hilltoppers in West Virginia.
"I am beyond honored to have received a scholarship [from West Liberty] to continue playing football," said Maggio. "It has been a dream of mine to play football on scholarship in college. I am really looking forward to this opportunity to make an impact at West Liberty University."
Maggio appeared in all 10 games for the Owls, helping Citrus finish the year with a 6-4 record. He was also a Scholar Baller.
"Attending Citrus College was the best decision I have ever made," said Maggio. "I was able to play football with top-tier competition in the state of California. The coaching staff at Citrus College transformed me into a better player altogether. Coach Hayashi, Coach Calles and the rest of the staff really pushed me to perform to the best of my ability and to make major strives throughout the season. Due to the great coaching, I have never felt more ready for the next level."
Ray, a sophomore wide receiver, joins a solid team with Chowan, which last year posted its best record since 1983 and grabbed the most wins since the Hawks joined the NCAA.
"It's a blessing knowing I get to continue playing college ball," said Ray. "For some athletes, it's a dream, but for me, it was always a goal and I had to fight for every inch of my success. Adversity weeds out those who don't want it bad enough and this opportunity is evidence that I was made for this."
With the Owls, Ray played in 10 games, averaging 2.7 receptions per game and 14.8 yards per reception. He scored seven touchdowns on the year and also served as the Owls kicker for a portion of the season, kicking one field goal – on one attempt – and two extra points.
"My time at Citrus has meant everything to me," said Ray. "It's helped me discover my true self and provided me with the best teammates and coaches I could have ever asked for. Every single person that's a part of the Citrus program is responsible for my success and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of them."
Littlejohn, a freshman defensive back, joins the Ram team that last year advanced to the NCAA Division II National Championship quarterfinals and grabbed 11 wins – the most in program history since 1989.
"It feels good to get the opportunity to continue playing football in college while getting my education because I worked hard and not everyone gets the chance to," said Littlejohn.
This past year, Littlejohn finished the year with 51.0 total tackles, including 28 solo efforts, to average 5.7 tackles per game. He had two interceptions, including a pick-six in Citrus' 21-16 victory over Chaffey to kick off the season. Littlejohn also had seven breakups and three tackles for loss and was named to the All-Western State Conference First Team Defense.
"My time at Citrus has meant a lot to me and I've met some great people that have helped me grow as not only a player but a person as well," said Littlejohn. "It was definitely an experience that I will not forget and I will always be grateful."