Eric Vegas leaves his mark in two sports at GHS
– in more ways than one; Indra Garcia’s fiery personality,
sizzling soccer moves create quite a show
By Josh Weaver
Eric Vegas said he wants to be remembered as a hard hitter.
Check.
Throughout four years playing football and baseball at Gilroy High, there are certainly a number of running backs who encountered Vegas on the football field, and opposing pitchers who left a fastball out over the middle of the plate, whose memories of the burly senior aren’t exactly filled with pleasantries.
“I really enjoy hitting, a lot. Both sports,” he said chuckling in a way that still gave off a chilling feeling that he was completely serious. “I don’t like to be hit hard, so I might as well hit people hard before they get me. That was my favorite part.”
The mild-mannered athlete with a competitive edge, he says he inherited from his hard-working parents, to call on in crunch time managed to snag three First-Team All-Tri-County Athletic League awards – in two sports – this season. And for that, and much more, Vegas is the Gilroy Dispatch Male Senior Athlete of the Year.
At 6-foot, 200 pounds (give or take 10 or so pounds), Vegas is a cement truck-like bruiser with deceptive speed and agility, which allowed him to fill a multitude of roles during his senior year on the GHS football team. He took snaps at quarterback, bulldozed his way through tackles at running back, caught passes out of the backfield and, of course, delivered cringe-worthy tackles.
Despite a frustrating season in regards to wins, Vegas maintained a work ethic validating his captaincy and canceling out one of his biggest pet peeves.
“I don’t like it when people give up. That makes me upset,” he said.
Vegas’ effort routinely caught the attention of fans, coaches and athletes on both sides, who would constantly ask, who is that No. 44? By the end of the game, they knew.
“We had a tough season, but I just wanted to try as hard as I could,” said Vegas, who was selected as All-League on both offense and defense after his senior campaign. “I’m pretty competitive, I don’t like losing. I loved my teammates and wanted to try hard for them. Being with my friends was a big part of me playing football.”
Baseball, though, is where Vegas is most comfortable, playing three years at the varsity level.
“I’ve always loved baseball,” he said.
In earning his third All-League selection in four years, Vegas batted .415 with 16 RBI, seven doubles and two home runs.
“The most difficult part was learning how to drive the ball the other way instead of trying to hit the ball as hard as I could every time,” Vegas said of his approach at the plate. “I just try to drive it the other way without rolling over on the ball or popping up. Just try to get one base at the time. It’s always a battle between pitcher and batter, and I like to win a lot.”
His fondest memory on the gridiron is a tackle on San Benito’s quarterback during last season’s Prune Bowl.
It just so happens Vegas’ least favorite moment during happened in that same game.
Among his other duties, Vegas also handled the punting responsibilities for the Mustangs. Against the Balers in November, GHS held a five-point lead with time winding down. But San Benito blocked a punt in the Mustangs end zone for a touchdown to snatch away the victory.
“That punt against Hollister, we definitely should have just kneeled it and taken the safety,” Vegas said shaking his head, which tilted toward the ground. “It’s going to bug me forever, I think. That hurt really bad.”
Quickly changing the subject Vegas pointed out a game-winning two-RBI double in the league opener his junior year as his best baseball moment.
An imposing figure in the batter’s box and decked-out head to toe in football gear, Vegas was never one to shy away from contact. However, for a guy with a grip that could choke a horse, Vegas’ off-the-field gentleness and 3.6 grade point average adds a deeper dimension to his personality.
“I get more competitive when I’m in a game but when I’m on campus I enjoy peoples’ company and I try to be a nice person. I’ve made a lot of good friends.”
Memories, more good than bad, are what Vegas said he will carry with him as he makes his way to Cabrillo College in the fall.
“There are a lot of great people (here at Gilroy High,)” he said. “The coaches and teachers are always there for you. They have school spirit. I’m going to miss everyone.”
By Cat Pierotti
Regarded by her coach as one of the most talented individuals to come through the Gilroy High soccer program, Indra Garcia’s passion and drive for the game is undeniable.
“The ability she has is just amazing,” GHS girls soccer head coach Jose Hernandez said.
Garcia, who served as the GHS’s captain for the second straight season, striking 10 goals and delivering 12 assists during the 2010-11 year en route to the team’s fifth consecutive Tri-County Athletic League title, is the Gilroy Dispatch Female Senior Athlete of the Year.
Those who have come to know Garcia as a player, are familiar with her fiery personality, gritty competitiveness and rough-and-tumble toughness. Garcia has more attitude than should be allowed for someone who stands at just 5-foot-2 on a good day.
Her aggressiveness goes back even before she laced up her cleats at GHS.
As a younger player, Garcia said she was the skinniest, smallest player on the field and was constantly getting knocked down by bigger opponents. She developed a tough on-the-field facade as she continued to mature as a player.
But once she arrived at the prep level, despite her abilities to zig-zag her way around defenders, Garcia’s path during her four years at GHS was not always smooth. And it was her spitfire attitude that began to become more of an Achilles’ heel rather than an asset to her game.
Garcia’s skill was never questioned. It was just her attitude that needed a little tweaking. And that’s where Hernandez stepped in.
“He always gave good advice,” Garcia said. “It was really nice having a really good coach that knows you, and comprehends what you feel.”
Hernandez said Garcia’s biggest improvement as a player has been that attitude adjustment. He said after her sophomore year, in which they had their most disputes, she really started to change.
And as a junior he presented her the role as captain.
Garcia said she loved the responsibility of being a captain her last two years on the team. She said she took the game more seriously and really disciplined herself.
“This year she understood the importance of image, respect and positivity,” Hernandez said.
Garcia added that is was Hernandez’s availability as a coach that helped her mold her skills.
“He was a big support,” she said, adding that Hernandez’s hospitality to his team, whether that was getting them Jamba Juice after practice or being a listening ear, his efforts reached a much deeper level than his job description.
With everything falling into place and after relentless practicing of some jaw-dropping footwork techniques, Garcia began to grow into a dominant facilitator out of her midfield position.
“My record for juggling is 600-something,” Garcia said. “And that’s only because my eyes start to tear up and then I can’t see the ball.”
Garcia said she still goes home every day and practices, usually perfecting ball tricks.
“I know I’m not the girl that is going to say, ‘Go and throw the ball and I’ll run as fast as I can to the goal with it.’ I am going to juke the ball around as many people as I can in order to get there.”
Garcia’s accolades span over all four years at GHS. As a freshman, junior and senior, she earned an All-Tri-County Athletic League First-Team selections, along with Sophomore of the Year and Senior of the Year awards.
Through it all her parents were her main support
system.
“I loved to make my Dad proud when he would come and watch my games. He was my biggest supporter growing up. Both my parents have always supported me,” Garcia said. “And that gives me pride.”
Garcia said she will play at Evergreen Valley College and hopes to transfer after two years to play at the Division 1 level.
Gilroy High School Senior Awards recipients
Athlete of the Year: Dani Hemeon
Athlete of the Year: Eric Vegas
Distinguished Athlete: Jasmine Yanez
Distinguished Athlete: Dietrich Baumgartner
Paul Thompson Inspirational Athlete: Katelyn Nebesnick
Paul Thompson Inspirational Athlete: Andrew Toste
Sal Tomasello Sportsmanship Award: Chelsea Hill
Sal Tomasello Sportsmanship Award: Jose Gabino Ramirez
Scholar Athlete: Satthea Khay
Scholar Athlete: Brandon Sumida
*Awards given by the GHS Athletic Department at a ceremony earlier this week.
