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Saipan-born Dela Cruz enjoys high school football
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Posted on Oct 06 2015
All that Isaiah Dela Cruz wanted was to get into a sport that will keep him active and that’s why he chose American football.
Isaiah Dela Cruz enjoys playing for the Clover Park High School Warriors where he aims to hone his football skills. (Contributed Photo)
Slowly, he’s grown to love the gridiron where he hopes to use it as his way to get into college and someday reach the National Football League.
“Back in 2014, I wanted to join a sport to help keep me in shape and I know it will help me with my future,” Dela Cruz, who has the full backing of his dad, Cecil Cepeda Dela Cruz, told Saipan Tribune in an email.
The Dela Cruz family is now based in Lakewood, Washington where Isaiah is playing for the Clover Park High School Warriors football team.
“I love the contact and the hitting. And I want to do what my dad loves. I hope to someday go and play college football and be the first person from Saipan to reach the NFL,” the 15-year-old added.
Dela Cruz, who looks up to Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward, both play defensive tackle and offensive guard.
“But I am able to play anywhere on the defensive or offensive line,” added the high school freshman.
Dela Cruz said before he joined the Warriors, he regularly ran or jogged to keep in shape. Being part of the team made him more aggressive in training.
“We practice two to three hours everyday but during the summer we practice four to six hours. My motivation was to always show people what I can do,” said Dela Cruz, who also supports the University of Southern California Trojans, especially offensive tackle Zach Banner.
The Warriors’ season in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association lasts for two months and three if they make it to the playoffs. The Warriors will visit the White River High School Hornets at 7pm on Oct. 9.
