A future with Fresno State

Marianne Aguilar

Senior Arturo Gomez gets signed to Fresno State University to play football on Wed., Feb. 19. “It feels unreal,” Gomez said. “It’s something you set your mind to but, at the same time, it always felt so far away; when my time finally came I just enjoyed the moment.”

Sabrina Fuentes, News Section Editor
February 26, 2014

Senior Arturo Gomez signed with Fresno State for the 2014 football team, on Feb. 5, in the Downey High School Theatre. Gomez is part of a group of 22 other players who were also selected for the team.

Gomez was surprised and said it still had not hit him.

“It feels great and unreal,” Gomez said, “but if you want to use something they say it’s ‘Bulldog born, bulldog bred, gonna be a bulldog ‘till the day I’m dead.’ I mean, I think that says it all.”

His passion for football started his freshmen year when he played for Cathedral High School. After playing for a year, his mother insisted on transferring him to Downey his sophomore year, where he plays as an offensive linemen.

“My mom’s proud,” Gomez said. “She was the one that wanted me to go to Fresno.”

UCLA was also interested in Gomez but he decided to attend Fresno because it is close to home and where he will be able to spend time with his family. He will be living in the dorms, accompanied by his friend Gabriel Llanes, 12, who has also received scholarship for the baseball program.

Senior, Fransico Heraz, Arturo’s best friend and teammate, was very pleased about his friend and the great opportunities that is ahead.

“Art deserves this scholarship more than anyone because he’s worked his butt off to get where he’s trying to get and I believe in Art,” Heraz said. “That he will do something great and I love him because he’s my best friend.”

Coach Williams, head coach for the Downey varsity football team, is also excited for Art. Williams, although proud of Gomez’s accomplishments, will miss what he was able to bring to the team.

“I will miss his smile, his character, and I just always knew he would do the right thing, he’s a good kid,” William said. “He is a great leader who demands a lot from the people around him.”

As Gomez looks towards the future, he shares his ambition and goals he has for football.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to play college football,” Gomez said. “To get a free education, and to get school paid for. I will be the first in my family to go to college. Coming to Downey was the best decision so far.”

Gomez has accomplished so much these past 4 years and, as of now, the future has never looked so bright for him and his dreams.

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About the Contributors

Sabrina Fuentes, News Section Editor

Returning for her second year on The Downey Legend staff, as a writer, 17 year old Sabrina Fuentes is dedicated on making it a great year. “My English teacher told me I had great writing skills, and I figured it would help me improve my skills,” Fuente stated. “Although it may just be writing stories, you have to be comfortable talking to people, ask the right questions, and push through no matter how difficult or awkward it may get.” As for an overall goal, Fuentes just wants to be a better person.

Fuentes is also dedicated to her part time job in Irvine. Once all the hard work is done, she spends her time relaxing by playing the addicting Kim Kardashian game or listening to alternative rock or hip hop. When hanging out with friends, she usually likes to go eat King Taco. “ I love tacos!” Fuentes “Especially the ones from King Taco even though they’re bad for me.” Her biggest pet peeves are having to repeat herself and rude people. She dreams to one day work for a newspaper or a publishing company and be known for her writing.

Marianne Aguilar, Photographer/Sports Editor

Marianne Aguilar, one of The Downey Legend’s photographers, is one of the newest members on staff. Aguilar entered her senior year with a determined mindset taking on the responsibilities of being a part of newspaper, as well as Downey High School’s yearbook staff. “Recognition is the best feeling,” Aguilar said. “I like being a part of this school.” Former Downey Legend photographer, Monique Munoz, was the person responsible for pushing Aguilar to apply, “She [Munoz] is like a sister to me, and I would always tag along and help her while she would shoot games,” Aguilar said. “The CIF Football game was insane!”

Before Aguilar began living the life of a busy high schooler, the 16 year old grew up witnessing her grandma, Esther, living as a professional photographer, traveling around the world and having her shots featured in underground ads. Although many of her family members constantly reminded her of the potential she had when she held a camera, Aguilar did not wish to explore that field. It was not until her junior year, years after the unfortunate passing of her grandma, that Aguilar began to get behind the camera and understood the enjoyment her loved one felt when photographing. “Once I tried it, my grandma’s daughter would tell me ‘that’s the Esther in you’ and that’s when I realized I liked taking pictures,” Aguilar said. With college right around the corner, this senior hopes to attend Texas Tech University to major in Sports Therapy. Wishing to have a future full of travel, it is clear the timidly kind yet hard worker is persistent in becoming the first in her family to go to college. Eager to begin shooting school events for this year, Aguilar said, “My goal is to have my picture framed in the C building next to my best friends,” in reference to the victory featured in The Downey Patriot Munoz shot after the Vikings won CIF. It is up to Aguilar to decide the kind of mark she will leave on Downey High School’s campus.