GILROY—When Joe Mooney went out for his high school football team his sophomore year, he didn’t think he’d make the cut. He was wrong.
Mooney not only made the team, but changed the course of his future. On Tuesday, the Gavilan outside linebacker signed his letter of intent with McPherson College in McPherson, Kan. and he smiled recalling how far he’d come.
“It’s not an easy sport. It takes up a lot of your time,” Mooney said. “When it all comes down to it, it’s worth it. Being out there with your brothers and your coaches are like your father figures. It’s a really good experience and I’m glad to continue playing for the next two years.”
Mooney was instrumental for the Rams last season. He racked up 28 tackles and five sacks through eight games for Gavilan.
He’s joining a Bulldogs squad that went 5-6 overall last season and 4-5 in conference play. Though he hasn’t yet visited his new stomping grounds, Gavilan head coach Mike Dovenberg is familiar with his team and assured Mooney he’s headed to a stellar new school.
“I was in the same conference when I was (coaching) at Kansas Wesleyan,” the Rams coach said. “He’s going to a great place and he’s going to be coached by some very good people. We’re proud of him.”
Life in Kansas will be drastically different for Mooney, who has grown up in the Bay Area. The first time he sets foot in McPherson will be when he completes the 20-hour cross-country drive there.
“I’m anxious, excited. It’s less than a month away, so I’m really stoked,” he said. “It’s a big transition from San Jose to a town of only 1,300.”
Though it was a big decision, it was also an easy one for Mooney. He said Gavilan defensive line Alvin Medina knows the coach at McPherson and helped him build a relationship with him, too. From there, Mooney and coach clicked and he said the choice was clear.
Mooney’s time at Gavilan not only made him a better football player, he said, but a better person, too. He has learned a lot about the sport and now he’s ready to put that knowledge to work.
“I’m excited about getting back on the field, getting that helmet on and those shoulder pads on and just getting after it,” Mooney said.
