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John L. Braese
VALE – The purple and gold of the College of Idaho Yotes is beginning to become a familiar color with the black and white of Vale High School.
Citing the high academic standards and the success of the football program, Vale senior Colten Stepleton, surrounded by friends and family, gathered under a purple and gold arch on Tuesday, April 16 to sign his letter of intent to play for the Yotes.
Stepleton continues a history of Vikings becoming College of Idaho student/athletes. Tanner Steele signed with the Yotes in 2022 and is currently on the roster as a defensive back. John Wolfe also signed with the Yotes in 2022 before departing for a church mission.
Stepleton, like Steele, played quarterback for the Vikings but is expecting to switch to the defensive side of the ball at College of Idaho.
“Exactly what position is undecided right now,” said Stepleton. “The College of Idaho offered me the best opportunities both in sports and academics.”
Stepleton said his academic future involves a business degree and the program at the College of Idaho is well established and highly recommended.
A three sport athlete for the entirety of his time at Vale High School, Stepleton still has some work to do as a Viking as he is part of the 4-by-100 relay time within one/tenth of a second of breaking the school’s record.
In the most recent football season, Stepleton received all state honorable mention for both his work as a quarterback and linebacker. For the 3A Special District 4, Stepleton received the Offensive Player of the Year award.
“I owe much to all the coaches at Vale High School,” Stepleton said. “I want to thank my family and all my teammates and friends. Without all of them, I would not have all this.”
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