Two Americas High School runners sign to continue careers at Army

It’s not easy getting one athlete into Army, but getting two is quite an accomplishment.

Americas High School did just that on Tuesday when long distance runners Brian Lujan and Jose Villalobos both signed track scholarships with the academy.

The two runners were surrounded by family and friends in a special signing ceremony Tuesday afternoon at the school.

Lujan is the Americas record-holder in the 1600m and 3200m events, while Villalobos has the second-fastest time in each event in school history.

Both said that getting into Army will allow them to pursue their dreams in running, military service, and academics.

“Well, I signed with West Point just because it’s a tremendous school and it’s an honor to go there,” said Lujan, who was the district champion in the 1600m run in 2016. “Ever since I was little I wanted to go. I get to join the army as well as get an education and continue my career in running.”

Villalobos echoed that sentiment, saying Army was an easy choice for him.

“This is always something that I wanted to do,” said Villalobos, who was an all-district performer in cross country in 2015. “I wanted to do something in the military. So, once I found a service academy that could offer me the military and academics, I saw it as a perfect fit.”