As newcomers to FC, brothers Caleb, ’14, No. 5, and Cole Nale, ’15, No. 3, joined the football team as a new undertaking. Having transferred over from Clovis East High School, joining the varsity football team was a new experience for them both.

Both previously played football in elementary school, but this is the first year they have played on a high school varsity football team. Ready to take the new challenge, Caleb and Cole agreed that it would be a good idea to participate.

“My brother and I weren’t quite sure if we wanted to join the team,” Caleb said. “But after talking about it, we thought it would be a lot of fun and a great way to make new friends.”

The drive to Clovis East was turning into a commitment because of the distance from their house to the school. Having younger siblings already at FC helped Caleb and Cole decide where to go.

“Both my little sister and brother were already attending Fresno Christian,” Cole said. “They’ve been attending for a couple years and they really seem to like it.”

For Caleb, joining the team turned out to be a good choice. After settling in, he had taken on the role of becoming the new football team’s quarterback.

“I enjoy playing football and interacting with my teammates; they are a hilarious group of guys,” Caleb said. “I enjoy making big plays and hitting somebody as hard as I can in every play. When I screw up and everyone knows it was my fault stinks, but I know I have to continue and be there for my team.”

Assistant coach, Robert Foshee, is glad that Caleb joined the team because of his hardworking personality and his work ethic to never giving up. Foshee believes that Caleb’s actions assist the team in pushing harder and striving for a touchdown.

“Caleb doesn’t lead by telling people what to do or not doing it himself, he shows them through example,” Foshee said. “He’ll play hard, whether he is hurt or not; he always gives 100 percent.”

Having enjoyed this year?s football games, Caleb would like to get further involved with this sport and increasingly improve his skills. As a way to prepare for next year’s season, Caleb is already thinking ahead and setting expectations.

“I would like to try to attend some football camps over the summer,” Caleb said. “I want to have the opportunity to play somewhere and get better for next year?s football season. Nerves always affect my pregame, but once I’m out on the field, I zone out everything and it’s all about football. Getting hit never feels good but delivering the hit feels amazing.””

Senior, Brandon McCormick, No. 4, sees Caleb as a key athlete in all the games. Considering that this is Caleb’s first year as a quarterback in varsity football, he has taken on the position as a leader very well, McCormick said.

“Caleb is a natural when he plays on the field,” McCormick said. “Being a quarterback, he provides tips and calls that the coaches can’t make since they are not on the field with us. He has great footwork and I can’t wait to watch him grow over the next few games.”

Parents Rondi and John Nale, look forward every Friday night for the football games. Since two of their sons play on the same team together, they like enjoy watching them interact and encourage each other throughout the game.

“Since they are brothers, they know how to read each other so they can work well on the field together,” Rondi said. “They have a great time talking about their accomplishments or other football related topics. They will have great memories of high school because of being able to play on the same team.”

Coming from a school where he played water polo and basketball, Cole takes this new transition into football with new energy and determination.

“During the games I focus mainly on executing my specific task and winning the game,” Cole said. “Although I have a hard time with putting as much effort as I would like on every single play, it’s fun when by brother and I hook up on a pass.”

Matt Ely, ’15, No. 77, classmate and teammate who plays alongside Cole during the games, characterizes him as a team leader. He is always focused during the games and knows what his assignment is, he said.

“Cole is always focused during the games and understands what his responsibility is,” Ely said. “He knows what he is doing and what he is supposed to do and he fulfills that assignment and it benefits the team a lot.”

Cole enjoys playing in the football games, but is unsure whether or not he would like to continue on with it throughout his life.

“I’m not going to make it my main focus to be able to play football in college,” Cole said. “But if I had the opportunity to play, it would be a big bonus.”

Foshee is thankful for having a player like Cole on the team. He appreciates Coles endurance during the games that not many players on the team attain.

“Cole is a solid player, he’ll take up a position wherever he is placed to get fulfilled,” Foshee said. “He helps the team out by being willing to go out all the time. He is a real tough player; going against bigger, opposing guys with no problem.”

Having a sibling on the field with them has benefited both Cole and Caleb out personally, but has also brought the team winning plays.

“There isn’t a better feeling than when you throw a touchdown pass to your brother,” Caleb said. “On the field, we know what each other is going to do and we’ve got each other’s back. There is an expectation that we both perform during the game and we get on one another if we don’t. My main focus in the game is to execute each play or make a play if the original one isn’t there. I know I have to focus and finish the game because my team and the fans are counting on us to compete.”

For more sports, read the Sept. 17 article Football sport shorts: Tranquillity (PODCAST).