Encinas, Chico step up, make tough decision
It is stressed in St. Paul High School football that no one
player will make or break the program. That while the gain or loss of an
individual might be significant in some respects, it will never be
reason for panic or alibi.
Two of the Swordsmen's fine multi-sport athletes have decided to forgo
playing football this season in favor of concentrating on baseball. Both
played key roles in St. Paul's march to the CIF-SS, Division V
championship this spring, Encinas as a pitcher/outfielder and Chico at
shortstop and leadoff batter, and both might have figured prominently in
coach Pete Gonzalez's plans this fall.
"Both young men were up front about it," Gonzalez said. "They came to us
and explained their feelings. It was their decision."
Encinas' reason was basic.
"I've known since I was 10 years old baseball was my sport," said the
6-foot-3, 200-pound sophomore, although he might get a bit of an
argument from those who have watched him on the football field, both as
a quarterback his freshman season at Santa Fe and as a wide receiver on
St. Paul's CIF-SS, Western Division championship team this past season.
"I know I'm going to play baseball as a career and I just feel it's
time to start focusing on that."
Encinas said "a lot of people," including professional scouts, had been
telling him he should concentrate on baseball.
"It's time, and I'm sure I'll miss (football)," he said. "I really
love the game, but I think this (decision) is best for me."
Chico is a talented athlete who played defensive back for the junior
varsity last fall. At least one observer close to the varsity program
said the 5-foot-11, 155-pound sophomore could have challenged for a
starting berth on the team this fall.
"No football," Chico said. "I kinda want some time off to concentrate
more on what I want and need to do at home."
Chico's mother passed away last year, and he feels a
responsibility to help take care of his 12-year-old sister (Ashley).
"I also want to do really good in school. My grades are good, I just
want them to be better," he said, citing their importance in obtaining a
scholarship for college.
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About this blog
Andrew Campa is the prep sports editor for the Whittier Daily News.
Hi Mike Peak-
Is this Mike Peak the Dad? I didn't know that you were belittled in high school for not playing a different sport.I thought you went surfing all the time in high school?
Congratulations on being selected to the St. Paul
Hall of Fame! You are the man! And you were also the
best little league baseball coach at Murphy
Ranch.
I saw your name in the Whittier Daily News a couple
of weeks ago....something about a seat belt...
All the best to you...Grandma Barbara just
loves you!!
JHE,
I remember those days when Arellanes was at the Ranch. He was a phenomenal 3-sport athlete! All-CIF in football (QB) AND baseball (Pitcher/Outfield) as well as an All-League basketball player. He was fast enough to run track if he wanted too! He could have very easily gone on and played college baseball. Man, what happened to those days? It is really too bad when kids (or their parents) decide to specialize in 1 sport. I can't believe a scout would tell kids to just play one sport. These kids should enjoy their HS career and have fun! Honestly, how many of these kids will go on and have careers in that 1 sport? Can't really say I agree with this 1 sport concept.
On selecting one sport; I remember following Jim Arellane's prep playing days at EL RANCHO - football,baseball,basketball, and maybe a few more? He chose football. Broke every record at FRESNO STATE, passing - rushing, that meant breaking EL RANCHO'S Ricky Pope records at the school. He ( Jim ) was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks than won a world championship & was the MVP over seas. But those early days at the Ranch and because of the scouting from pro teams & schools, people would say just play baseball. Even now a days you still hear it at the park, He would have been a great player (baseball) and so on. This is or can be a difficult choice for a young man because they always want to compete & love it. These young men seem to have come together with there family & close love ones and made the right choice.
Mr. Murray,
It is truly refreshing to hear a head football coach say it's these young men's decision. In the past they would be put in the pressure cooker to simmer on returning to football. These men are making their minds up for themselves, and I applaud them for their effort. I remember my time in high school when the coaches would belittle and make you feel terrible for not playing their sport. I think the student/athletes of today have enough pressure on them already to perform. My point to this is, Coach Pete is showing the kind of integrity a quality coach should.
thanks mike peak