Three Buffs ink letters of intent, all stay in Jayhawk Conference

Garden City, Kan. (Western Kansas News) – Three Garden City High School seniors signed their letters of intent this morning, all to continue their athletic and academic careers at Jayhawk Conference institutions. The 2025 class, which already sports double-digit signees to a range of schools from the NJCAA level to NCAA DII, continued its robust output of high-level student athletes just weeks before graduation.

The first of the three signings was senior Isabel Espino, who committed to play soccer for the Johnson County Community College Cavaliers. Espino, who holds strong high school decorations for her athletic endeavors, is a four-time varsity starter and varsity letter winner, three-time regional champion, two-time WAC champion, First Team All-WAC in 2023 and 2024, and was named one of the “2025 Class 6A Soccer Players to Watch” by KSHSAA News.

“My soccer career at GCHS began as a fun middle school hobby, evolving into a serious pursuit in high school,” said Espino. “The encouragement from my parents and teammates played a crucial role in pushing me to excel.”

Coach Vital, the GCHS head girls’ soccer coach, praised Espino saying, “Getting the opportunity to coach a special player such as Isabel is not an everyday thing! Throughout all her four years here at GCHS, she was remarkable.”

The remaining two signees were Johnny Romo and Matt Long, both of whom were signing letters of intent to continue their impressive wrestling careers.

Romo signed with the Colby Community College Trojans, and Long signed with the Pratt Community College Beavers. Romo held the distinction of being a two-year varsity letter winner, a Fargo All-American, and a Rocky Welton Invitational medalist for the Buffs wrestling squad.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend Colby Community College and work with Coach Cornejo and Coach Barber,” said Romo. “I want to thank my high school coaches for helping me grow and an athlete and teaching me that giving up is never an option, even during tough times.”

Long, who was three-time varsity letter winner, three-time state qualifier, three-time state medalist, two-time state finalist, and named the 2025 WAC Wrestler of the Year, spoke about how thankful he was for the opportunity to continue to wrestle.

“[I] just want to thank everyone for attending this exciting moment that will be the next step into my future. Without God and my support system, consisting of my family, coaches, and friends, this moment would not be possible.”

Coach Paul Lappin, the skipper for the GCHS wrestling program, spoke of both athletes.

“Johnny is a great young man who has stuck with the process, regardless of circumstances,” said Lappin, speaking of Romo. “He showed up every day and gave everything he had. I am excited for him to have the opportunity to go showcase himself at the next level!”

When asked about Long, “Matthew has been an incredible athlete, person and leader in our program. He took the motto of ‘Raise the Standard’ to heart and worked tirelessly to bring everyone up to his level. His leadership is a big part of the reason our teams were so successful this year.”

The ceremony this morning, held in the gymnasium of Garden City High School, was ended with a resounding, “Buff tough and Buff proud” from assistant athletic director, John Ford.