East County Athlete of the Week: Colin Castro

Colin Castro is a junior running back at The Out-of-Door Academy. He ran for 150 yards and two touchdowns in the Thunder's 27-13 home playoff win against Jupiter Christian on Oct. 26. 

When did you start playing football?

I started playing flag football six years ago, then switched to contact football three years ago. I remember watching the NFL for the first time on TV and thinking it was the coolest thing I had ever seen. I wanted to play, too. I'm a Green Bay Packers fan, and (former Packers wide receiver) Jordy Nelson was a big inspiration. I played wide receiver before switching to running back this year.

What is the appeal to you?

I love the togetherness and working hard for one cause as a group. It feels good to do something as a group. It is something a lot of people won't do. It takes a lot of guts to do it. That is the fun part of it. 

What is your best skill?

Being able to read the blocks of my linemen. I use that to my advantage. I can trick defenders into going the wrong way and get around them. 

What is your favorite memory?

My freshman year against Bradenton Christian, I ended up starting at wide receiver because other wide receivers were out with injuries. We were backed up in our own zone one series, and my quarterback (Gus Mahler, now graduated) threw me this ball, probably 30 yards downfield. I tipped it off the side of my hand while stumbling, and I caught it off the tip. The defender did not know I had the ball. I turned and ran up the field for the touchdown, it ended up being 80 yards. 

What has been your biggest challenge?

Being strong enough to play both ways. Last year, I was mainly used as a free safety, only playing a bit of offense. Then they asked me to play both ways, and I was getting tired. I had to make sure I was strong enough and determined enough to play the whole game. 

What is your favorite food?

Definitely cereal, specifically Kellogg's Special K cereal. That's good stuff. 

What is your dream vacation?

I wouldn't mind going to Hawaii. I'm interested in how it is so far away from everything but still part of America. Volcanoes have always interested me as well. 

What hobbies do you have?

I play a lot of video games, like most guys do. My favorite right now is NBA 2K19. 

What is your biggest fear?

I'm afraid of the future. So far, I have been living my life step by step. Sometimes, it is a little scary to think 30 steps ahead, who you are going to be and what you are going to do. 

What is the best advice you have received?

The best thing I have heard is from JFK: 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.'  A lot of today's world is filled with people asking or begging. That (quote) is something I really respect. I live believing hard work pays off. 

Finish this sentence: "Colin Castro is ... "

... Versatile. I do a lot of different things, and I try to do the best I can in all of them. I'm in the chorus here at ODA. I'm on three sports teams (football, lacrosse, soccer). I try to make as many friends as I can and be nice to everybody.