Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Jesus Orozco

Team: Ygnacio Valley High School, Grade: Senior, Sport: Football

CONCORD, CA—Orozco is still looking forward to taking his place for the third year as the starting left tackle and defensive lineman on the Ygnacio Valley High varsity football team.

In normal times Orozco and his Warrior teammates would have concluded their season with the hope and expectation they would end up in the North Coast Section playoffs for the second year in a row. Of course, these are anything but normal times. Because of the coronavirus pandemic all fall sports in California were pushed back to the start of 2021 and football, volleyball, water polo and cross country athletes were supposed to begin formal practices Dec. 7.

In light of the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in the state high school sports have now been pushed back to at least early January for even practice to get underway.

Orozco says, “I thought my senior season was over for good back in June, but I am holding out hope to play. I miss playing football with my friends and representing my school. I grew a lot as a player last year and I was working hard in the weight room up until March. I miss the competitive aspect of football and challenging myself week in and week out.”

Captain of the year

The 6-2, 290-pound lineman received all-Diablo Athletic League honorable mention honors as a junior and he is one of coach Bryan Shaw’s captains this year. The pandemic has hit his family especially hard. Orozco works after school to help his family and he has also volunteered with Monument Crisis Center that does so much to help families near Cambridge Elementary School where he began his educational journey.

Coach Shaw adds, “As hard as it has been on our players in terms of continual delay, it has been even harder in their homes and for their community.” Orozco will attend Diablo Valley College in the fall and play football for the Vikings.

The Pioneer congratulates Jesus and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry.

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.