Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Northgate High’s George Zeigler
Team: Northgate High School
Grade: Senior
Sports: Football, Track & Field
His coach Ben Ballard smiles when he says that Northgate football opponents would see an “undersized cornerback” in his defensive backfield and say, “that’s where we should go.” They would soon find out Zeigler, who probably has to stretch to tip 5-10 on a height chart, plays much taller and stronger on the field. In the shortened Bronco season this fall, the senior captain had an interception, forced two fumbles and had over two dozen tackles in four games. He also was a slot receiver on offense.
He spent the past two years as a starting cornerback on varsity after two seasons on JV. Typically, after fall football season Zeigler would run sprints and the 4×100 relay for the Northgate track team in the spring. He passed on track this year after the latest-ever California high school football season.
The Concord resident will be given a tryout at Sacramento State as a walk-on after Northgate coaches reached out to the Hornets staff to let them know there is “a great, hard-working kid” with a 3.2 GPA who has been accepted and will be enrolled in their school starting in the fall.
The Pioneer congratulates George 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. www.laceyandruzicka.com
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.
Jay Bedecarré
Jay Bedecarré is a long-time resident and writer in Concord and Clayton. He began his newspaper writing career while still a senior at Mt. Diablo High School and he has been part of The Pioneer since its inception in 2003. Jay also operates Bay Area Festivals, presenting events around the San Francisco Bay Area including Bay Area KidFest annually in Downtown Concord.