Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Rocky Aven

Grade: Senior; School: CVCHS; Sport: Football

Clayton Valley Charter has established a reputation this decade of having one of the most successful football programs around. Discipline and high standards have brought forth players that excel both on and off the field. Aven is a three-year varsity linebacker.

Midway through his senior season he leads his team in solo tackles (33), total tackles (51) and average tackles per game (8.5). His leadership is one of the many components responsible for Clayton Valley’s 4-2 record this season, where all four wins were blowouts by the Ugly Eagles and both losses were nail-biters.

Regardless of his statistics and passion for success, Aven finds most of his motivation from something that can’t be measured by any number: the brotherhood football has provided him. “Football impacted my life and taught me a lot of things I wouldn’t have learned without it,” he says. “That’s why I chose to continue to play through high school. I’ve made a lot of friends and have created a family through this sport.” This sense of community is a constant throughout the roster of Ugly Eagles football.

“Rocky is the definition of a Clayton Valley football player. He is extremely reliable, works very hard and treats people right. Because of that attitude and effort he is one of the best linebackers in the East Bay and is one of toughest players on the field every week,” says coach Tim Murphy. Aven hopes to continue his passion for football in college by attending a four-year on scholarship starting next fall.

CVCHS student journalist Alexa Oldham wrote this Spotlight.

The Pioneer congratulates Rocky 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.