Athlete of the Week A Bulldog on a mission

By Bill Tamburrino

Ramona High School’s soccer team is off to a flying start. Coach Michael Jordan’s Bulldogs are 4-0-1 and one of the big reasons for their success is the play of junior forward Andy Garcia.

Garcia has scored seven goals and has one assist in five games. That is a good season for most soccer players. He is listed as a forward, but according to his coach he is versatile and inspirational.

“He plays forward, but he could and would play defense or goalie if asked,” said Coach Michael Jordan. “He always puts the team first. He takes our corner kicks, our direct kicks and our penalty kicks. We want to take advantage of his talents when we get set plays.

“He has been our hardest worker since day one this year. He came out with a renewed interest and spirit. It isn’t like he has to prove himself. He was our leading scorer last season and he was the only sophomore to make the All Palomar League soccer team. Yet, he is working like he has something to prove.”

Garcia scored twice in Ramona’s 2-0 win over El Capitan and he scored one goal against Helix and Valley Center. He drilled in three shots against Calexico Mission. He has been a Bulldog on a mission.

Garcia has started since his freshman year.

“Soccer is a major part of our family,” he said. “I have played with my cousins since I started playing at the age of 6. My cousins are like brothers and sisters to me. We are a very close family and our varsity soccer team is like a family. We play for each other. We try to represent Ramona High School in a very positive manner.”

His cousin, Alexis, plays for the Lady Bulldogs. His father, Luis, played for the championship teams of Bill Pittsford at RHS.

Garcia also works in the classroom. He has a B average and he plans on going to college and majoring in business management.

For his hard work, scoring and inspirational leadership, Andy Garcia has been selected the Ramona Sentinel Athlete of the Week.