All students have different interests that drive them through high school. Dillon Owens, ’15, has a particularly strong drive for football. His history in the sport has developed him throughout his high school career.

Even though his favorite aspect of football now is hitting someone, Owens began his football career at the age of five, and immediately knew he had found his passion. He started off throwing a football around with his dad who always encouraged him to pursue his athletic career.

“My dad always wanted me to play football,” Owens said. “Ever since I was a kid he would throw the football around with me. He used to play when he was younger and wanted me to follow in his footsteps.”

Since Owens is a senior, younger team members see him as an example for the rest of the team. Junior team member Chris Kollenkark looks up to Owens for leadership.

“I think Dillon is an awesome guy to play with,” Kollenkark said. “I haven’t always gotten along with every player on the team, but that’s never been the case with Dillon. Next year I will be a senior and it is helpful to have a role model like Dillon to set an example for the rest of the players. This year Dillon has set a great example, and I am looking forward to next year where I will follow in his footsteps. He always boosts the team’s moral.”

Dillon first played for a team at Roeding Elementary. He loved playing primarily because it meant he could hang out and practice with friends and family. Dillon treasured the support and love his family gave him, this motivated him towards greater goals.

“My favorite part about playing when I was younger was that I knew everyone there,” Owens said. “When I would look out into the stands and see my family and friends I could feel the love and support. This encouraged me to play with an even greater tenacity.”

As Owens graduated from junior high into Central High School, he became the starting quarterback. This proved to be Owens’ favorite position in football. However, when he transferred to Fresno Christian, a school with an 8 man football squad, he began with a height and weight advantage compared to the rest of the players, thus he began playing tied end and defensive end.
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Michael Fuller, head coach of the varsity football team at FC has watched Owens grow as a player and a person over the years. He believes his ability to lead drives the team towards success.

“My favorite part about having Dillon on the team is that he is exuberant,” Fuller said. “He usually has a funny remark to lighten the tone of practice. Sometimes it is even helpful. Dillon works hard and has a positive attitude. He encourages his team mates and tries to get better every day.”

As a defensive end, energy on the field and playing with strength is a necessity. Playing strong every down of the game is the only way to insure the other team doesn’t score. One of Owens’ teammates, Austin Insco, 15′, says that he loves taking the field alongside Owens because of his energy.

“Dillon always holds his head high,” Insco said. “His energy inspires teammates and motivates us. He constantly displays love for the game regardless of the outcome. It’s always a privilege to get to play with him.”

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @JustinHFeather.

For more sports, read the Oct. 21 article, Cross country sport shorts: Woodlake Invitational.