By BEN ODDIS
Beakon Sports Writer
YOUNGSTOWN – After rewriting the record books at Cardinal Mooney High School, wide receiver Carlos Gomez is ready to take his talents to the next level. On Wednesday, during a signing ceremony at Cardinal Mooney, Gomez officially committed to Walsh University, where he will continue his football career as a Cavalier.
Gomez leaves Cardinal Mooney as the school’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions and receiving yards, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s greatest pass catchers. Over his career, he posted 975 receiving yards and 12 touchdown receptions, with his junior season standing out as he collected 745 yards and nine touchdowns.
Although he received offers from multiple schools, the Division II program at Walsh felt like the perfect fit.
“When I showed up for my official visit, the coaches instantly made me feel like I was part of the team,” Gomez said. “Coach [John] Huff showed me that going to a smaller school out of the gate was better for me to be recognized.”
The decision wasn’t easy, as Gomez weighed the benefits of attending a larger program versus a smaller school that offered more personalized opportunities.
“It was an extremely hard decision,” Gomez said. “I had to evaluate going to a bigger school or settling on a Division II school that had fewer people but provided more opportunities.”
As he looks forward to his next chapter, Gomez took a moment to reflect on his time at Cardinal Mooney, recalling some of his favorite moments on the field.
“When I first got here, one of the biggest games I ever played in was the Warren game my sophomore year,” Gomez said. “Right after the passing of our coaches, we came back and won 26-17. I knew I had to step up, and the team felt more like a family.”
But his defining moment came when he cemented his place in Mooney history.
“The highlight of my career was definitely breaking the receiving record here and going back to the locker room and seeing the guys,” Gomez said.
Now, Gomez will set his sights on new records and new challenges at Walsh University, eager to make an impact at the collegiate level.
“Carlos is a player with the rare combination of game-breaking talent, a driving work ethic, and a great attitude,” Cardinal Mooney assistant football coach, Vince Taddei, said. “I have no doubt that he will succeed in college.”
