If you’ve been to one of our recent football games, you’ve probably heard our announcer, Spiro Psaltis, call out the name of Rudy Cuellar, as he walks to the midfield with his fellow captains for the coin toss. If you haven’t heard about him, here’s a little information about Rudy so you can know more about one of our amazing senior captains.
Football has been a part of Rudy’s life for as long as he can remember. It all started in second grade, when he joined a little league flag football team in Paramount, California, his home town. What started as a fun way to keep himself active turned into something much more for him.
Rudy continued to play flag football after his family moved to Glendale, but by his eighth grade year, he began to play tackle football. He said that during that transition, he came to understand that the game was more than just a hobby. It was a passion that had the power to change his future.
Years later, Rudy happily holds the title of varsity team captain, but he sees this title as more than just a simple patch on his jersey. “I didn’t just start off being a captain,” he said. “From freshman year, you have to show your character and what you’re made of. It means a lot to me, because I love football so much. Being named captain is a part of me.”
Rudy’s journey through football has not been a solo adventure. Although his parents have encouraged him through every stage, the arrival of Coach Manuel Lemus, during his second year of high school, was one of the most important turning points in his life.
“Coach Lemus believed in me,” Rudy revealed. “He came in when I was a sophomore and really built me into where I am now. It kept me going. It means a lot when someone supports you, even before they really know you.”
Additionally, Rudy looked up to the captains that were here before him: Alexander Shirvanian, Isaiah Galindo and Mark Dacles. These three linebackers have graduated but have left their mark on Rudy. “They made plays that showed they cared, and the whole team fed off that energy,” he recalled. “If they cared that much, we all wanted to match that effort.”
Rudy emphasized that being the loudest voice isn’t the definition of leadership. For him, it’s about being consistent and compassionate and proving to teammates that he knows their challenges. “Being the leader isn’t the hardest thing, but it’s not the easiest either,” he admitted. “You have to understand people get tired; they have bad days. You’ve got to put yourself in their shoes. For those three or four hours on the field, I try to get everyone locked in.”
Rudy makes it a routine to pray, stay hydrated throughout the day and listen to music during game days. His playlist always helps him in finding what he refers to as his “mode,” but it can shift based on how he is feeling. One song that helps him get into that “mode” is the song “Creep” by Radiohead.
How does Rudy react when the score is close and the lights are bright? “You’ve got to lock into that mode,” he claimed. “You have to have that dog in you. Just focus on one thing: you’re playing football, perfecting your craft. That’s how you handle pressure.”
Rudy shows the same mindset in his advice to his younger teammates. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” he advised. “Outwork the people who do have talent, so you can have your shot.”
Rudy’s goal is to play football in college after he graduates in June, and he is realistic about how hard it would be to play professionally. “It’s always been my dream as a kid,” he said. “The NFL would be amazing, but I know only about one percent get there. Still, making a living from something I love — that would be everything.”
Rudy already understands the basics of leadership, whether or not he makes it to those higher levels. Leaving the program stronger than when he arrived is more important than getting personal awards. “Being captain isn’t just a title,” Rudy claimed. “It’s who I am.”
From learning the game to encouraging the next generation of players, the trip has gone full circle for a kid who first played flag football in the second grade. And this season may only be the start of the impact he leaves behind, if his determination is to be believed.
Nitros, please come out to Moyse Stadium tonight at 7pm, and support Rudy and his teammates at the Homecoming Game against Hoover! Let’s bring that victory bell back home where it belongs! Go Nitros!
