The Skyline Sun

Sibling rivalry

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 By Benji Rivera

Most parents have a hard time getting to all of their kids sporting events. A lot of the time they miss a few games every now and then. But for Isaiah, K.C.,The only problem is deciding which family member gets to carpool to the game. All three of them were on the varsity football team this year and all of them started. It was an experience none of them will ever forget. As a freshman in high school, K.C. started the summer workouts as a member of the c team. But after a strong showing at the team football camp at Colorado State, he started getting reps at the varsity level. “ It was a bit of an eye-opener when I was told I was going to get some playing time on varsity,” when he was asked about how he felt when the coaches gave him his chance on the varsity squad. “I mean, I knew I had the ability to but not a whole lot of freshman can come in and play 4a varsity football.” His older brother, Benji Rivera a senior and his older cousin Isaiah Rivera a junior were both quick to let him know that it was a lot harder then 8 Th grade football. “I told him that you can’t rely on just pure talent anymore,” Benji said when asked about his first words of wisdom for K.C. were. “You have to commit year-round and hit the gym really hard to compete and contribute to the team.” If those words were not enough motivation for K.C. to start working his butt off, then the chance to show up his older brother and cousin sure was. In 6 games this year, K.C finished 6 Th on the team in tackles, with 31 and would have had a lot more if he didn’t miss 4 games due to a mcl tear in his knee. But after the fourth straight 1 win season for the skyline falcons, he couldn’t help but feel that he could have done more to help the team win a few more games. “I felt that I could have done better and been a more dominate player then what I was.” He said. The season may have been a bust, but the times the Rivera clan had will never be forgotten. “It was cool to look on the field and see my cousins on the same field as I am. It was something I wont forget.” Isaiah said. “Me and Benji played together the year before and it was even cooler when K.C was there. I’m proud of him and what he will accomplish in the future.” Football is a team sport that builds everlasting bonds and can teach some of the greatest lessons in life. For K.C., his time on the same playing field with his brother and cousin will be something he cherishes for the rest of his life. “Even though we didn’t win as many games as we wanted to, I have built some relationships with teammates that will last forever.” He said. “But the thing I remember the most was being able to be there and play with my brother in what was his last time stepping onto a football field. That is something I will never forget and thank god for giving me that chance.”