A dream became real on Monday as Jorge Quinonez signed a letter of intent to run track and cross country for Oklahoma City University.
“OCU is my dream school. It was the first school I visited, and I knew I would do anything it took to get there,” Quinonez said. “I felt a spirit of excellence from all the people—athletes, students and faculty alike.”
The college, nestled in the middle of Oklahoma City, also fit the vibe Quinonez wanted. He was born in Long Beach, California, but moved to Pauls Valley as a baby.
“I’ve always wanted to be in a city,” he said. “I feel called to the big city life.”
Now, as a senior at Pauls Valley High School, Quinonez plans to study accounting while competing in the mid to long distances at OCU.
“I want to thank God, my family and my coaches,” he said.
Quinonez began his college search in the summertime, a move that caught the attention of the OCU coaches.
“He reached out to me,” said Andrew Leahy, head coach at OCU. “He had the determination to come forward, and when I met him, right away, I knew he came from a great family.”
OCU has a history of signing runners from Pauls Valley High. The Stars’ cross country team currently includes PVHS alumni Isabella Gutierrez and the Readnour sisters, Kenzi and Keira. Past Panthers-turned-Stars have also included Kaylee Clark, Katlyn Davenport, and Cailen Jolley.
“Obviously, we have some stock in Pauls Valley right now,” Leahy said. “It’s like there’s something in the water here because you’re producing fantastic runners.”
Quinonez has shone in the 800-meter run. He began the 2026 track season receiving All-State Honors at the OCCTCA Indoor Track and Field Championship. In the 2025 season, he received All-Region Honorable Mention and qualified for the State Meet in the 800-meter, 4X800 relay and 4X400 relay.
“I’m just proud of Jorge and proud of how he chooses to work. He’s a hardworking kid,” said PVHS Track Coach Ryan Caldwell.
In cross country, Quinonez qualified for the state meet, placing 86th in 2025 and 32nd in 2024.
Speed runs in his family, as his mother, Julianna Quinonez, ran track when she was in school.
“I’m so excited, so happy for him,” Julianna Quinonez said. “We’re going to miss him, but at least he is kinda close, just an hour away.”
