Warsaw goalie Peyton Long will continue his soccer career at Grace College (Photo provided by the Grace College Sports Information Department)

WINONA LAKE – Warsaw standout Peyton Long decided to stay close to home, signing with Grace College to play men’s soccer in the fall.

Long was a goalkeeper for the Tigers. He was a Second Team All-District honoree after his senior season and was also honorable mention for All-Northern Lakes Conference. Long played on several accomplished Warsaw teams, winning a regional championship in 2013 and advancing to the state finals in 2012. He made a pivotal save in a penalty shootout in the regional semifinals during the Tigers’ 2013 postseason run.

“I chose Grace because it’s close to home and because it’s a place to grow athletically, spiritually and academically,” Long said. “Coach [Matt] Hotchkin has something great going on at Grace, and I’m ready to contribute to the team in any way possible.”

Long also played basketball at Warsaw and won the Coach’s Award as a senior. Long, who is the son of Scott and Jamie Long, plans to major in marketing while at Grace. He is the third Long sibling to play collegiately at Grace, following Taylor (men’s basketball) and Madison (volleyball, cross country).

Grace head coach Matt Hotchkin added: “I am excited to bring Peyton [Long] to Grace College. He is a multi-sport athlete with good hands. He has been working very hard to earn a spot, and I believe that his work ethic will continue to be his greatest asset as he develops into a fine teammate. It is always our goal to bring the best local talent to Grace, and with Peyton, I believe that we have been successful in that.”