April 1, 2011
By David Selig
The Winchester Star

WINCHESTER- David Alaniz said he's had visions of playing college football ever since he first put on the pads at the age of 12.

The James Wood High School senior will get the chance next year after signing to play at Division II Minot (N.D.) State on a partial athletic scholarship.

"The way he works, that's something he always wanted," Colonels coach Mike Bolin said. "He worked for it, prepared in the right way, and he found a good fit for himself."

Alaniz will play tight end for the Beavers. He caught 27 passes for 263 yards over the past two seasons at James Wood, making the all-area first team in 2009 and the second team in 2010.

"[Minot State] really liked his size and his agility and his ability to catch the ball," Bolin said. "He fits the bill for what college coaches are looking for."

Formerly an NAIA program, the Beavers will be an independent team next season, then the following year they'll join the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, which includes reigning D-II national champion Minnesota-Duluth.

"They play a lot of strong football out there," said Alaniz, who plans to study either business or criminal justice. "I'm looking forward to it. It's definitely going to be a lot colder, but I'll get used to it."