In an exhibition of brute strength, interspliced with speed and
agility, 11 area high school football teams competed in Gilroy
High’s fourth annual Hoggie Fest for linemen yesterday.
Gilroy – In an exhibition of brute strength, interspliced with speed and agility, 11 area high school football teams competed in Gilroy High’s fourth annual Hoggie Fest for linemen yesterday.
During Wednesday’s afternoon competition, 16 squads of five players each competed in five events, including bench pressing 185 pounds, squats of 225 pounds, truck push of 40 yards, an obstacle course and the tug-of-war.
For the second year in a row, the host Mustangs won the overal, team championship. Gilroy was led by senior Bobby Best, who had the most bench press reps (30) and the most squat reps (60). Aptos was second overall.
Points are awarded to teams placing in the top five in the individual competitions and the team with the most points wins the Hoggie Fest.
Teams had the chance to not only prove their physical toughness, but also match up against their competition.
It also provided an opportunity for the players to get to know their fellow linemen.
“Because this is just (for linemen), they get the chance to bond with one another,” said Mustang head coach Darren Yafai, who organizes each year’s event. “This is something they look forward to every year.”
The competition also allows coaches to see what the players need to work on and stress the importance of workouts.
“I’m hoping this motivates the kids to get into the weight room and gym,” said Willow Glen offensive line coach Kip Lockwood. “This gives a good gauge of where we are compared to our competition. It emphasized the drills and exercises the kids do to improve their skills.”
Despite the high intensity workout on a sweltering day that topped out at over 90-degree temperatures, the linemen toughed it out and said they enjoyed being there.
“This is my third year and it is a lot of fun,” said Gilroy senior offensive lineman Matty Hunkin. “We get to spend time with the team and build up the team body.”
Hunkin’s teammate Jonathan Bobadilla, a junior guard, said the Hog Fest allowed the linemen to bond as a family.
“This is a lineman family competing here,” Bobadilla said. “I’ve been looking forward to this fest. It builds up our camaraderie and is all about the family.”
North Salinas junior guard Robert Sanchez said the extra time the linemen spend together off the field allows them to grow closer as a team.
“We get closer to everybody when we spend time together out of school,” Sanchez said.
While the quarterbacks and receivers usually get the glory on and off the field, this was an opportunity for the linemen to show off and have an event to call their own, Yafai and the players said.
“This is nice – it is the only competition we get,” said San Benito junior guard Daniel Gallant. “I’ve been told this is always good; I’ve never heard anything bad about it.”
“Here, it’s not just all the skinny guys getting the attention,” said North Salinas senior guard Ben Duran.
Teams traveled from all over the Bay Area and Salinas, including Willow Glen, Soquel, Santa Clara, Aptos, North Salinas and Seaside.
“Overall I would say this was a great event,” said Santa Clara junior center Ohio Henderson. “I think Gilroy is doing a real good thing holding this competition every year.”
