The Football team’s season was a journey, filled with hard work, dedication and teamwork. After overcoming tough competition and pushing through countless challenges, the team made it all the way to the championship making history. Though they ultimately fell short in their final game, their achievement in reaching the championship is a testament to their growth and determination throughout the season.
The Wolves have struggled in previous years, facing numerous challenges both on and off the field. The team endured several losing seasons with records like 2-8, 0-9, 1-9, making it difficult for the team to compete effectively against stronger opponents in their league.
Jonathan Franklin, a former professional football player who played for the University of California, Los Angeles Bruins (UCLA) and later the Green Bay Packers, stopped by Van Nuys High school on April 30 to share an inspiring speech with the Wolves football team.
The Los Angeles Rams have been dedicated to recognizing excellence in the football community and made a significant impact by awarding top performing teams in various competitions. The awards are given based on criteria such as outstanding performance, teamwork and sportsmanship. The organization’s commitment to supporting and promoting at all levels of football has fostered a spirit of healthy competition and pride within the community.
This year, the team was named ‘Most Improved’ by The Los Angeles Rams and received $2,500 as a donation. Franklin’s message about putting in the effort and growing together really hit home for many of the players.
“The players’ influential words made me feel amazing about my career,” junior cornerback and wide receiver Christopher Gomez said. “The speech made me feel proud of myself and all I’ve accomplished. He told us to never compare ourselves to others and to be proud of ourselves. That translated to me looking back at my career and being happy with all my achievements and how I’ve grown.”
The Van Nuys Wolves started the season rocky trying to find cohesion and consistency in their performances. Early losses and setbacks made it seem like this season might be another uphill battle. But instead of letting these obstacles define them, the players and coaching staff doubled down focusing on refining their skills, improving teamwork and staying mentally strong.
“I plan to continue motivating the team as the captain and build a standard for us all to meet and continue the progress we’ve made,” junior middle linebacker Abraham Ceja said. “This group is special and has the ability to do special things. We are shooting for the stars and aiming for the moon and will continue doing our jobs as student athletes.”
This recognition comes not only as a financial boost but also as a testament to the team’s incredible work, resilience and commitment to overcoming challenges.
“It’s amazing watching the players be recognized by the school, the district and the Rams,” head coach Kenneth Osorio said. “It’s an honor. It’s something that we tell the kids you do the hard work not for the recognition but the hard work is gonna end up with recognition.”
One of the most powerful moments provided for athletes is when they have the chance to meet someone who was once in the exact same place they are now. Hearing first hand from someone who has faced similar struggles, yet went on to achieve success, brings the lessons we share to life in a way that no lecture ever could. It shows them that the challenges they face today are not only common, but they can overcome with the right mindset.
“Having the kids meet someone that was not too long ago in the same spot they are and then sharing their stories it just adds to all the things that we try to share with them,” Osorio said. “So they can see that a lot of the things that we talk about in the real world are actually what’s happening.”
Rather than focusing solely on the end goal of playing at a higher level, athletes on the football team began to break down these desires into smaller, more doable objectives. Every practice, every drill and every setback became an opportunity to improve, providing a more grounded and actionable approach to success. The player’s words resonated deeply with the team, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process of improvement rather than fixating simply on the outcome.
“This experience has expanded my view on my potential to achieve all my goals for next season,” Gomez said. “His words only motivated me, from him speaking about his career to him giving us tips to channel out the bad thoughts and focus on doing good, have helped me to mentally prepare myself for success next season.”
With the $2,500 prize in hand, the team plans to prioritize the purchase of essential equipment to support their players throughout the season. In a sport like football, where the safety and well-being of athletes depend on having high-quality gear, this financial boost will make a significant impact. The money will help cover other season-related expenses, allowing the team to focus more on their performance and less on the logistical challenges of running a football program.
“The first thing is always equipment for the students,” Osorio said. “I think that’s the most important thing and anything that we might need to just go through the season because football is an expensive sport and a lot of things are needed so definitely going towards any equipment the students might need.”
This accomplishment is a true reflection of the hard work, dedication, and growth the team has shown throughout the season. Their commitment to improvement, both on and off the field, has set them up for even greater success in the future.
