Sharyland's Sanchez inks with Houston

MISSION -- The day was off in the distance, or so Mike Sanchez thought.

After Mike Sanchez verbally committed to the University of Houston last spring, he thought the day he made his college choice official would never come.

"I was nervous for this day," said Mike Sanchez, who signed his National Letter of Intent to play football at NCAA Division-I Houston on Wednesday at Sharyland High School. "Before this day came, I thought I had some time to chill. But I was in class and I was thinking, 'Man this was fast. I can't believe it is already time for me to sign.' "

The senior, who played center for the Rattlers, said it felt good to finally get the big day over with.

"He has been waiting and waiting and counting down," said Mike Sanchez's mother Carol Sanchez. "I think he was so excited yesterday, he couldn’t sleep."

Now that the signing was complete, Mike Sanchez said he could start concentrating on his future as a Cougars football player.

"I just can't wait to get there," he said. "I know its going to take a lot of determination and dedication."

One of the reason's he is excited about Houston is his admiration for the school and the future of the program. Mike Sanchez said the coach, the athletic facilities and the campus atmosphere were keys in his decision.

It also helped that the Cougars were the first to offer a scholarship to the 6 foot, 2 inch, 270-pound Rattler.

"Houston actually made an offer back last March," said Mike Sanchez's father and Sharyland football coach Fred Sanchez. "He actually verbally committed sometime in April. I think what made the decision easier was the way he felt about the school.

"Each place you go to you, you get a certain feeling of the school. I think my son feels like Houston is a really good feel for him."

Mike Sanchez first visited Houston on the tail end of a three-campus visit that included Rice and Texas A&M. On his way home from that trip he was informed that Houston had made an offer.

"Every parent wants the best for their kid," said. "When your children receive awards on their own merit, it makes you proud. We are just thankful for this opportunity."

The Cougars will be gaining a four-year starter, a back-to-back All-Valley selection and an All-State player.

"We are very proud of Mike because he has been a four-year starter on the Varsity level," Sharyland Athletic director Richard Thompson said. "It is very rare that you see that. He is just an extremely dedicated and young man He has had this goal all of his high school career -- to play for a Division-I school. That does not come around very often."

---

Peter Rasmussen covers sports for The Monitor. You can reach me at (956) 683-4448.