SPORTS: Meet the players

Cameron Coon/ Photo by Brandon Bird

Cameron Coon, a quarterback originally from the Bay Area, has been playing football for about ten years. “I like that football is a team game and it has fewer games, so everyone is important,” said Coon. “Ten months of practice for ten games; it keeps me interested.” Coon has transferred from College of the Canyons because of the greater opportunity AVC holds. With this transfer AVC also benefited; the number of experienced quarterbacks doubled from one to two. “I was blessed with a lot of gifts a quarterback needs,” said Coon, who averaged 10 yards per completion in the 2010 season. Like himself, his family is very excited for the upcoming season, “I’m from the Bay Area, and my family will be at every game.” Coon graduates in December and plans to earn a scholarship to a four-year school. He also hopes to stay in the Pac-12. After football, Coon would like to become a firefighter.

Emanuel Osuchukwu/ Photo by Brandon Bird

Emanuel Osuchukwu is a running back from College of the Canyons. He originally came to AVC because of a former coach, who ended up leaving for another school, but Osuchukwu remained, “I love the environment and there are nice people.” Like Coon, Osuchukwu has been playing football his entire life, “I’ve played football since I was a baby and just stayed with it.” With Ryan Zirbel, last year’s running back, gone, Osuchukwu is a decent replacement. Last season, Osuchukwu rushed for an average of 34 yards per game. He is now looking to improve upon those statistics. “Our offensive line is great; as long as I run behind them I’ll have a good season,” stated Osuchukwu. His family fully supports him in pursuing his dream of playing football. He added, “My mother loves me playing football and my family fully supports me.” The focused running back hopes to make it into the NFL, but his backup is criminal justice.

Both players are confident about this season. “We’ve had two good scrimmages, and I think we have the potential to win all ten games,” said Coon. “COC and Bakersfield will be our toughest games.” Osuchukwu agreed, “I am confident we can win all ten. We have two big games coming up, and if we win those two we will go undefeated.” This Saturday night marks the beginning of the season. Come and support the team as they go up against College of the Canyons. See you there!

By Codie Walsh