Two Glendora football standouts, Austin Coronado and Marko Luera, realized their dreams of being able to play college football on Wednesday, as Coronado signed with Columbia and Luera signed with New Mexico.

Coronado was the CIF Southern Section Division 6 football player of the year this past season and Luera was one of the area’s top offensive linemen.

“Signing with Columbia is truly a dream come true,” Coronado said of the Ivy League school. “From a young age I’ve always valued academics, so to sign with such a well-respected school is surreal. Not only do they dominate academically, but with their new coaching staff they’re dominating in football as well.

“Having the best of both worlds was a big factor for me choosing where I would attend school, and I truly believe this is the best opportunity I could’ve asked for, and I can only thank God for it.”

Coronado was a dominant defensive force at Bishop Amat and then Damien before transferring to Glendora for his senior year. He was a two-way standout in the fall as he led the Tartans to the CIF-SS Division 6 championship game, where they lost 17-7 to Murrieta Mesa.

Coronado rushed for 517 yards and a team-leading 13 TDs. The defensive end/linebacker was the San Gabriel Valley defensive player of the year. He finished among the CIF-SS leaders with 15 1/2 sacks to go with 101 tackles and an interception.

His highlights included a memorable effort in Glendora’s 25-21 semifinal victory over Dana Hills.

Coronado said his parents played a big role in shaping him as a standout in football as well as the classroom.

“It means the world to them,” Coronado said of signing with Columbia. “It serves as a testament to all the effort they poured into me during my childhood and teenage years. I’m thankful for every little thing they have done for me.”

Luera, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound lineman, was a two-time All-San Gabriel Valley first-team selection and All-CIF Division 6 first-team selection.

Luera showed his grit in the Division 6 championship game. He was injured early in the game, but would not let his season end that way, returning to the field to help his team.

“I am super excited to continue my football career at the next level and I’m so thankful for the New Mexico staff taking a shot on me,” Luera said. “I didn’t know what my future was and if I was going to play after this season, so I’m so thankful to continue playing the sport I love.”

Luera said all his conversations with New Mexico were positive, and he can feel the joy with his family.

“I chose New Mexico because I felt so connected with the staff,” Luera said. “When we connected they wanted me to come in and compete immediately.

“I am so happy to be playing football at the next level and I know it took a lot of relief off of my parents knowing that I will be safe and secure when I go to college.”

Quarterback Tyler Lewis, who transferred from Castaic to Nogales for his senior season, signed with Colorado State.

Lewis had a sensational year in his lone season with the Nobles, passing for 2,513 yards and 24 TDs while rushing for 654 yards and 11 touchdowns. Lewis was a San Gabriel Valley All-Area selection and made the CIF-SS Division 13 first team.

Charter Oak two-way standout Aaron Rivera, a linebacker and running back this past season, signed with Black Hills State during a ceremony at the school Wednesday.

Rivera finished the season with 25 tackles and two sacks.

Pasadena quarterback Hype Grand, whose transfer request was denied by the CIF-SS after transferring from Orange High for his senior season, will get to continue his football career after signing with the University of Ohio.

San Marino had two signings. Two-way lineman Mitch Mooney signed with Brown and quarterback Brady Beck to Puget Sound.