JACK IRWIN

 25

Jack played varsity football for the Vikings from 2011 to 2012. Although he was slowed down by a number of injuries Jack never lost vision of his goal to become an accomplished player in the Viking secondary. Jack showed this determination in his junior year when he struggled early in the season but continued to work on his game and always kept a positive outlook. His persistence paid off and by season's end he had become one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Jack finished his junior year with 129 total defensive points. He established himself as an excellent tackler and finished with 37 tackles with 30 of them coming unassisted. He led the defense with three caused fumbles and recorded one interception and three pass break-ups. After the season he was selected the team's Most Improved Defensive player. Coming into his senior season Jack set some high goals for himself and set a great example for his teammates by accepting an important leadership role as a group leader in the team's off-season training sessions. Unfortunately Jack's hard work and preparation was almost cut short by a knee injury he suffered during fall camp. He was unable to get back on the field until the fifth game of the season against Coronado High School. His positive outlook and rehabilitation paid off in a big way for Jack that evening. Jack anchored an outstanding Viking defensive effort that included his 48 yard interception return for a touchdown. It was the defense's second interception returned for a touchdown that evening. Jack went on to have an excellent senior year that saw him record 92 total defensive points. He was in on 30 tackles, recorded two interceptions and made three break-ups.  His biggest night of the year came against the 2012 State Champions Madison High School. Jack finished the game with 23 defensive points and was selected the Player of the Game. His senior year efforts earned him Second Team All-Western League Defensive Team honors. Jack finished his Viking career with 221 total defensive points. Jack was also an outstanding scholar-athlete and was a two-time Union Tribune All Academic Team member. From an academic standpoint the 2012 Viking football team is arguably one of most accomplished teams in school history. Among all the outstanding scholar-athletes in this class Jack is the only team member that maintained straight A's throughout his four years at La Jolla High. He will be attending Boston College in the fall of 2013. Jack will always be remembered for his determination and his ability to overcome the setbacks that are often a part of life. He will always have the admiration, love and respect of his coach and will serve as an example and a reminder that one should never let  adversity get in the way of achieving one's goals.