Jayden Rios Signs To Play Golf in Iowa

Jayden Rios signs a letter of intent to play golf for Southeastern Community College.

Effingham St. Anthony High School's Jayden Rios has signed to continue his golf playing days at Southeastern Community College in Burlington, iowa.

Rios has participated on the Bulldogs' golf team for four years. He lettered on the varsity team for three years. Rios went with the team to the State Tournament in 2018. In his senior year, he was the low handicap leader. He participated in the State Tournament as a senior. He qualified at the sectional shooting a 74 to finish in the top six or seven in the event for individual performers.

"Jayden kind of grew into his role," said St. Anthony Coach Phil Zaccari. "He's a very good athlete. He got the bug for golf and started putting time into it and he got really good."

Rios medaled in a number of golf meets throughout his career. He finished first in the Mattoon Tournament his junior year and consistently performed as one of the top players in each tournament his junior and senior years.

Rios moved from Dallas, Texas four and a half years ago and didn't play competitive golf until he joined Coach Zaccari's championship program. He had always played football in the fall but since St. Anthony did not have a football program, he wanted to stay involved in a sport and joined the golf team.

"Coach Zaccari inspired Jayden to become the best student/athlete he could become through using golf as a vehicle to make him a better human being," said Jayden's dad, Aaron Rios. "He has enjoyed being part of the St. Anthony program and enjoyed his teammates, classmates and his coaches along the way."

"I want to specially thank Coach Zaccari and Coach MIke Imburgia," said Jayden. "These two coaches not only care about developing us to be the best goflers in the state but develop usto become men."

"His attitude was one of his strengths," said Zaccari. "He accepted being coached and listened and tried to do the next thing that would help him to move forward. He lives by example. He will be a good person to follow.

"I think his best golf is still to come. From an athletic standpoint, he hits the ball so far."

"I'm excited to join a winning tradition at SCC and Coach Schwink's team in the fall," said Jayden. "Southeastern's home course is Spirit Hollow Golf Course located in Burlington, Iowa. It is ranked as the No. 2 best course in the state of Iowa."

Rios parents are Aaron and Stacey Rios.