GW RETIRES RAYN RIOS’ JERSEY #28

By Shania Oyardo

History was made at the GW gymnasium on Wednesday afternoon as students, faculty, family members, teammates, alumni, and local leaders gathered to witness the football jersey retirement ceremony of Geckos football star Rayn Rios.

Rios officially became just the fourth Gecko in school history to have his football jersey retired, joining an elite group that includes his father, Ryan Rios, along with Brandon Chandler and Danny Cepeda.

“This is such an honor for me to have my jersey retired, especially having it beside my dad’s,” reflected Rayn.

What made Wednesday’s ceremony even more remarkable was the timing. Rios became the first player among the four honorees to have his jersey retired before graduating high school.

For Rios, the moment represented more than athletic excellence. It symbolized years of sacrifice, leadership, and dedication.

“This accomplishment came with failure, long hours under the sun, hard times, and moments when I didn’t want to show up,” said Rayn. “I feel great about this ceremony because of the people around me. They have helped me accomplish everything I set my mind to.”

Rios played a major role in one of the most memorable eras in GW football history. He was a key contributor on the Geckos squad that broke the long-standing winning streak of the FD Friars and helped lead the team to the long awaited 2025–26 championship title.

His resume also includes earning both the ISA Offensive MVP and Defensive MVP awards during his junior season (the first time ever), followed by Defensive MVP during his senior year. Throughout his high school career, Rios established himself as a standout athlete in multiple sports. He also earned GSPN High School Athlete of the Year in both 2024 and 2025.

But as speakers throughout the ceremony emphasized, Rios’ legacy extends far beyond the football field. Off the field, he has maintained an impressive academic resume by taking multiple honors and AP courses while also being a member of the school’s National Honor Society.

For most athletes, having a jersey retired is a once-in-a-generation honor. For Rayn Rios, it became the latest chapter in his growing athletic legacy. Rios credited his teammates, coaches, teachers, and especially his parents for constantly supporting him in all of his endeavors. He especially credited his father, who has been his role model throughout his life and the man who helped shape him into who he is today.

For all the underclassmen and future Geckos, Rios leaves a special message:

“Don’t let anyone tell you what to do. Don’t let anyone make your decisions. If you want to do something, set your mind to it and go after it. Make your history, and most especially, make your time worth it.”

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