Warren Kurtnaker signed his national letter of intent to play football for New Mexico Highlands on Valentine’s Day.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain

Socorro’s Warren Kurtnaker has a new “love.” Kurtnaker inked his national letter of intent to play football for New Mexico Highlands University on Valentine’s Day after helping lead the Warriors football team to an 11-1 record in 2022.

“I was really impressed with the coaching staff at Highlands because they have so many years of experience, and it felt like a good fit for me,” Kurtnaker said. “I feel like they are running a program that will accept me for who I am, and they will take the time and effort to make me better.”

Kurtnaker recorded an average of 5.3 tackles per game for the Warriors this past season and had 30 solos along with five tackles for losses.

Playing in Socorro is something he holds near to his heart.

“My favorite memories are playing for this amazing community here in Socorro,” Kurtnaker said. “And all of the great managers we have had that do so much for our team. Of course, I have many favorite memories, but playing for the community and putting Socorro on the map the past four years by winning district titles is number one.”

Kurtnaker hopes to study business management in college and perhaps be involved in information services. He looks forward to graduating and finding a way to give back to his community.

“Everyone here has given me so much,” Kurtnaker said.

He thought about hanging up his cleats, but the Warriors’ loss in the playoffs fueled a desire to see if he could play at the next level.

“You know, having that heartfelt loss in the semifinals kind of got me thinking, and I’m just not ready for my playing career to end,” Kurtnaker said.

Russell Huffman | Assistant Editor