THOMAS BOWMAN

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A graduate of the class of 2009 Thomas Bowman was an outstanding Flip linebacker who distinguished himself  both athletically and academically during his years in the Viking program. His accomplishments on the defensive side of the ball are best demonstrated by the fact that he is one of only three players in Viking history to score at least one point in every single defensive point category. The other two players are Pat Kelly and former University of Arizona great Jarvie Worcester. Thomas was able to score points in the tackle, assisted tackle, sack, hurry, interception, break up, caused fumble, recovered fumble, blocked kick and touch down categories. As a junior Thomas played a key role in the success of a very strong La Jolla defense that allowed the Vikings to make a deep run in the CIF playoffs. That season Thomas scored 138 total defensive points that included 26 original tackles 11 assisted tackles, two sacks, one hurry, two breakups, one caused fumble, a team leading four recovered fumbles and one blocked kick. In 2007 Thomas was recognized as Player of the Game for his 29 point effort in a hard fought 10-7 win against Lincoln High School and a 29 point effort against Hoover High School.

Thomas followed up on his exceptional junior year with a team leading 234 defensive points that saw him record 68 total tackles with 49 of those being unassisted. He recorded three sacks, a team leading six hurries, two interceptions, two break ups, a team leading three recovered fumbles and one touchdown. His defensive touchdown sealed a first ever 19-7 win against Santa Fe Christian. Thomas received Player of the Game honors for his outstanding 31 point defensive performance that day. In all he recorded five unassisted tackles, three assisted tackles, one hurry, one interception and one touchdown.  His senior season Thomas also received Player of the Game honors for his outstanding performances against San Diego High School, Saint Augustine High School, Serra High School and Point Loma High School. For  his entire Viking career Thomas scored 372 total defensive points and this mark ranks him  10th all-time for linebackers in Viking history.

Thomas earned numerous post season honors during his Viking career. In 2007 he was an honorable mention All-League selection and he also won the Most Improved Defensive Player award. In addition he was named to the San Diego Union Tribune All-Academic team. In 2008 Thomas was named to the Second Team All-Western League Defensive Team and selected Team Captain. He also received the Defensive Coaches Award for his outstanding play his senior season. In addition he was again named to the San Diego Union-Tribune All-Academic Team with a 3.81 GPA.

Thomas went on to study and graduate from the University of Washington where he received a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in History. While studying at Washington Thomas was Co-President / Founder of the One Campaign Challenge Club and a Student Leader with University Ministries. Along with his love for football Thomas has always had a  great passion for the sport of lacrosse. Notwithstanding his busy college schedule he also found time to play on the University of Washington club lacrosse team and in 2013 he served as the Junior Varsity lacrosse head coach at Roosevelt High School in Seattle.

Thomas' love for the people in his life has always been manifested in his concern for others and in his work with local church groups and ministries. Thomas has made volunteer trips to Honduras, Russia and the Dominican Republic to support local ministries through building construction and instruction in English. He also did an internship with a college ministry called The House that focuses on students that attend the University of  Tennessee Chattanooga. During his ten months in Chattanooga Thomas managed to create and inspire an entire community of people in that city. His work there required that he spend time with students in group and one on one settings discussing their relationship with Jesus and helping them grow in faith and pursuing a possible career in the ministry. His work included planning weekly events and evening worship services as well as planning a spring break mission trip and other retreats. 

Thomas' passion for helping others was evident even before started his collegiate studies. During his high school years Thomas did extensive work as a Youth Coordinator for the La Jolla Presbyterian Church. In this role he led and developed summer programs for middle school and high school students. Here he increased student attendance and interaction by recruiting students from neighboring high schools to events and planning meetings. Thomas' work has always centered on serving the Lord, spreading love and having fun.  This work addresses a very important role in the development of both emotional and moral intelligence. These are two types of intelligence that are often overlooked in our educational institutions but are just as important as the technical intelligence that class grades and standardized testing reflect.

In recognition of his outstanding play on the football field while playing at La Jolla High and in recognition of  his genuine concern for his fellow human beings the Star Chamber is honored to name Thomas as the first member of the Secret Society Guest Chamber. His coaches and teammates will never forget his dedication to the Viking program and will always cherish the friendship and support that he has given us over the years.

 

 

     

WILLIAM GEARY

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A graduate of the class of 2013 William Geary was an outstanding Flip linebacker who distinguished himself by his outstanding defensive play during his years in the Viking program. William was not the biggest player on the field, but his accomplishments left their mark in the Viking record book. William recorded 302 total defensive points in two seasons of varsity football. He led the defense in total points his senior season, and his versatility on the field is what most impressed his teammates and coaches. William was in on 70 tackles, recorded two sacks, had two hurries, made one interception, recovered a fumble, blocked a kick and scored one defensive touchdown. He was named the Defensive Player of the Game against San Marcos, Valley Center, Coronado and Point Loma. He was also selected Special Teams Player of the Game against San Marcos, Coronado and Point Loma. William was also selected Defensive Player of the Game against Serra High his junior season.  In addition, he was named Special Teams Player of the Game against Mission Bay, Serra and West Hills High School. His twelve total combined Player of the Game selections is a Viking record. William finished his Viking career with 90 total tackles, three hurries, three sacks, three blocked kicks and one defensive touchdown.

William earned numerous awards for his on the field accomplishments. His junior year he was honored as the recipient  of the prestigious Gene Edwards Iron Man Award. This award  is presented each season to the player who best displays the commitment, work ethic and strength of character of the legendary La Jolla High Vikings head coach. He was an All-Western League First Team selection and was selected Team Captain his senior season in recognition of his leadership, toughness and unselfish play. He was also selected the team's Most Valuable Defensive Player. He carried a 3.33 GPA and was twice recognized as a San Diego Union Tribune Scholar-Athlete.

Although William lacked the size and weight that coaches usually look for in linebackers on the collegiate level, he decided to play college football and enrolled at the University of Puget Sound in  Tacoma. Washington. There he went on to have an outstanding four-year career that saw him play all four seasons. From his linebacker position he was in on 111 tackles, recorded two sacks, forced one fumble and recovered another. He also recorded eight tackles for a loss. William majored in Exercise Science and graduated in 2018. He has entered the education field and started his football coaching career at Francis Parker High School in San Diego, California. The Francis Parker team finish the their season with an 11-2 record and advanced to the San Diego Section Division V Football Championship.

William has always been an example to others that one can accomplish anything they want to if they are willing to work hard and not let physical limitations get in the way. His determination and goal oriented approach in life has allowed him to find success in a sport where many bigger athletes have failed to live up to their potential. William has always shown a high degree of emotional, moral and body intelligence, and this is what has helped him find success in life and athletics. As an educator and coach he will be able to help future generations of young people find success both on and off the playing field. In recognition of his academic and athletic accomplishments and for his loyalty and dedication to the Viking program the Star Chamber is honored to name William the second member of the Secret Society Guest Chamber. Your coaches are proud of what you have accomplished and will continue to accomplish in years to come.

 

 

 

 

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