FOOTBALL: Trawick leads by example

Scott Galetti, Staff Writer

SAN MARINO - During a recent practice, San Marino High School running back John Trawick patiently waited as his thumb was taped following an injury and mobilized in what amounted to a tape version of a cast.
But Trawick, rather than take the easy route and sit out the remainder of practice, couldn't wait to get back on the field.
Not really surprising for a kid who plays club rugby.
"The kid is just a fierce competitor and he wants to win," San Marino coach D.R. Moreland said.
The Titans' senior leader can be described as a warrior, one that loves contact in the heat of competition.
And so far this season, he has displayed the characteristics of a true leader as the Titans (3-0) have rolled off three victories.
In those three games, Trawick has amassed 479 yards and nine touchdowns.
"Our running scheme has really benefited him to open up a bunch of holes so he can see where he wants to go," Moreland said. "There's no question that he's been our `go-to guy' on offense.
"Anytime someone scores nine touchdowns in three games, that's your guy."
He narrowly missed the 200-yard plateau twice with 198 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-32 win over La Salle, and 196 yards and three touchdowns in a 55-14 pounding of Workman.
"My mind-set has just changed, and I feel like every time I touch the ball, I look to score and I'm thinking what else can I do to help out my team," Trawick said. "It's (nine touchdowns in three games) nothing I dreamed about, but it's something I work towards."
Trawick already is nearing the numbers of his junior season, when he rushed for 667 yards and five touchdowns in nine games.
"We had a nice little rotation last year with James Barbour, so John wasn't getting as many carries," Moreland said. "Now he's getting a lot more."
Added Trawick: "I don't think that I've made a huge change in my games since last season. I just think our O-line is really stepping up."
Trawick, at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, is not a physical Titan who will intimidate opponents, but he more than makes up for it with his determination and a will to improve each day.
"He has a great work ethic, gives 100 percent every single time every play on the field and in the weight room," Moreland said. "Wherever it is, he's always looking to be the best at whatever it is he's doing.
"He's just a good kid to have on your team."
Added Trawick: "It's something I can't control. The only thing that I can control is my game and I figure if I can out-run my opponents and make guys miss, that's my advantage right there."
According to Moreland, Trawick can motivate his teammates with words, but his true leadership comes out the most simply by strutting his stuff.
"When they see him in practice taking the ball from the 30 and scoring every time, I think that they look to that as leading by example as well for him," Moreland said.
Another example Trawick sets is his ability to take a hit, get back up and do it again.
"I love contact, that's why I play the sport," he said.
Trawick plays midfield and forward on the Titans' soccer team, but his love for contact perhaps was enhanced by his participation in club rugby on a team based in Eagle Rock.
"One of my long-time friends started playing it and told me to come out one time, and I just loved it," Trawick said. "We play with a bunch of Loyola guys and actually went to nationals this past year."
After playing running back and defensive back last season, Trawick is being used primarily as an offense-only player this season. He plays defense only when necessary.
"Last year he was a starting defensive back for us, but right now he is pretty much playing offense," Moreland said. "We do bring him in if we need to bring him in on defense, but we're trying to save some hits on his body."
Added Trawick: "It gives me some breaks so I can have more energy going on offense, but if it was up to me I'd like to play both."
Moreland likes that Trawick is the kind of player who can play just about every position.
"I think he's a fantastic player," Moreland said. "He's versatile and you can stick him just about anywhere on the field and he's going to get the job done."
Behind Trawick's efforts, the team has been getting the job done, and the senior points to the team's heart, which was exemplified in the victory over La Salle.
"It was such a close game and they're a great team and we were lucky to pull out a victory," Trawick said. "We worked so hard and it paid off on the field. We just wanted it more."
Trawick's next step in life could be at the University of California-Berkeley to play on the Golden Bears' rugby team.
"I've been talking to the coach so he and I are on good terms, so it's looking good," Trawick said.