Cerritos College has kicked off their 2019-2020 season with two new team captains, as well as one returning captain.
Each captain carries a different mindset and philosophy, however they all share a common passion for the game.
C.J. parks, a wide receiver for the team and returning captain states, “I think as a team captain, you got to be able to vocalize some of the things that the coach can’t , but that’s just the nature of coaching and I and it is.”
Parks continues to state that as a team leader, it’s vital to address the same play by play to everyone but in different explanations for each team member otherwise it would be hard to all get on the same mindset.
Parks went on to say , ” It is what it is but as a leader or a team captain you have to be able to relay that same message to your players just in a different way like and just be able to lead by example.”
Tre’Vion Ballard, quarterback and new captain for the tea, states a similar opinion, “I know everybody is looking up to me and I have to set the example.”
Ballard also attributes the team’s passion to the coaches by giving out positive feed back to the newer team members, states, “They expect more out of us for sure, they push you to your limits so you get stronger, and I think they see a lot of potential in everyone.”
Ballard wants the best for the team and always contributes as much as he can whenever he gets a chance to meet with team members on-on-one or with coaches to create new playbooks
The team has cultivated this potential, as Etieni Valele, captain; middle linebacker and fullback for the team states, “If we mess up, the coaches make sure that the next day we come back stronger.”
The coaches always want make sure that whatever caused them to lose a game will not be repeated the next game they attend or host. It’s all about practice and working on the things that needs to wired on first repetitively to break that habit.
Parks also commented on the football head coach, Dean Grossfield, stating, “I think this season, coach Gross has the bull by the horns this year. He’s just he’s always been a great coach.
“I’m sure there’s a lot of stress on him. But now I think he has I think he has the bull by the horns and he’s gonna he’s gonna be ready to kill it this year, and we’ll help him get there”, adds Parks
The captains are all eager for this upcoming season , and state they are working their hardest to make this season an undefeated one.
The Falcon football team will play their first home game on Sept. 14 against MoorPark College.