Another Moose headed to Valley City State

Valley City State University, in Valley City, N.D., has lured another Palmer prospect.

Dustin Eley, a 2003 graduate of Palmer High School, recently signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Viking football squad for the 2004 season.

Eley will join former teammates Ali Larijani and Mike Weber as Palmer alumni on the Viking squad. There are now 16 Alaskans on the Viking football team.

Eley was a standout on both the Moose football and track and field squads and was courted by several collegiate football programs following his senior season. Valley City State, Sterling College and the University of Minnesota Moorehead were all interested in Eley's services, but due to an illness in his family, Eley opted to stay in the area for another year and take college courses at Mat-Su College.

After making the decision to play college football in the 2004 season, Eley set his sights on VCS.

After signing with the NAIA program, Eley will not only have the opportunity to challenge for a starting position -- as the squad's first team punter -- but he also received the school's Century Scholarship.

Eley said in addition to the scholarship and opportunity to play right away, having former teammates on the same collegiate roster was also a draw and he has already been fielding advice from Larijani.

"Ali said I better be in shape," Eley said. "There is no Palmer 70-degree weather. It's really hot."

Eley said that in addition to his punting duties, there is a possibility he may see time at receiver.

"I will have a good chance to play," Eley said.

Eley, who has suffered from tendenitis in his knees, said he also has mixed feelings about playing receiver at the college level.

"It might be kind of disappointing, but in the long run it will be better. I can walk without all my tendons being shot."