John Glenn standouts earn athletic scholarships

NORWALK — In a time when playing a sport, any sport, is just not possible for high school students to show their talents to prospective colleges or universities, two local athletes are set for the next level.

Earning a scholarship and verbally committing or signing a letter of intent is hard to do without live action or some video.

Two John Glenn athletes, Joe Varoz and Adrian Zamora, are the exception as they are in position for the next level.

Varoz, a senior offensive lineman that has been in the football program at JG for four years now, has committed to NCAA Division II Minot State University in North Dakota, while Zamora, also a senior, has committed to play baseball at NCAA DIII Finlandia University in Hancock, Michigan.

“Overall, both boys are great student-athletes,” John Glenn athletic director Linda Parra said. “We are very proud of them and their athletic achievements. They are a true example that hard work, dedication and perseverance pay off.”

The upside to this story is both athletes were able to secure their future at their respective universities prior to each of their respective seasons.

Varoz, a 6-2, 305 lb. offensive lineman, had communicated with the Minot University coaches several times this past summer.

“In the beginning of my offseason of my senior year I was able to reach out to the offensive line coach, Nick Nissen, and defensive coordinator, Mike Scheper, from Minot State University via Twitter,” Veroz said. “I sent them my film, which they absolutely loved.

“Going on for weeks and months after continuously talking to the coaching staff, they offered me a scholarship to their school.”

Varoz is excited for the next stage in life at college.

“I’m from Norwalk and for the next four years I’m hoping to grow as a player and as a young man.”

Like most high school athletes in this era of social media, Zamora, a right-handed pitcher, took to Twitter to get the word out on his talents.

“I posted my pitching on Twitter,” said Zamora, who will be attending the only private university in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. “I ended up meeting a lot of coaches. When I met (pitching coach) Malcolm Purdy, he continually reached out to me.”

Zamora, unlike a lot of potential college athletes, made his official visit to Finlandia, while others didn’t get that chance due to the pandemic.

“On my visit, coach Purdy offered me [a scholarship] and I said, ‘that’s a blessing.’ Two weeks ago I accepted.”

Here are their stories:

John Glenn football player Joe Varoz signed and will play at Minot State University. (Photo by Keith Durflinger)

Joe Varoz, Minot State University

For Joe Varoz, there are plenty of memories of his three-year high school career on the gridiron. Varoz, along with everyone else, is hoping for that fourth year of football.

“With my senior year here and with Covid-19, I have not been able to put in the maximum work I need to be at right now,” Varoz said. “It has been a stressful time and I have been trying my best to get drills and lifting done as much as possible. I hope to soon have a senior season because I know it will be a memorable season for a lifetime.”

Varoz, who was chosen the MVP of his freshman team, made the varsity as a sophomore on the offensive line as a right tackle.

“Knowing it was going to be a tremendous transition from freshman football to varsity football, I knew I had to put in the time and effort into the weight room,” he said.

Varoz credits assistant coach, Donnie Lobendahn, who prepared him for his sophomore year. Lobendahn, who was the strength and conditioning coach, is the son of then, head coach Vince Lobendahn.

In his sophomore year, Varoz received honorable mention in league. His offensive line helped the offense produce 1,964 rushing yards.

That led into his junior year, where he was named offensive line captain. It was the filling of big shoes from recent graduate and league Offensive Lineman of the Year, Edurado Barajas.

Varoz shined in his junior year, as he was named to first team in league.

“My offensive line coach, Donne Lobendahn, was one of the best line coaches I could have asked for,” said Varoz, who has five brothers and three sisters. “I wouldn't consider coach Donne as my offensive line coach, but more as an older brother.”

Another brother, Toa, who played at USC, also had a tremendous wealth of knowledge for young Joe.

“Toa and Donne both pushed me beyond my limits and I would not be who I am today without them.

“All in all, the Lobendahn family welcomes me with open arms with anything I can possibly need. They are considered my second family as I am very grateful to be in their lives. Some people even gave me the nickname ‘Joe Lobendahn.’”

The same praise also went to his coach Vince Lobendahn.

“(He) helped me improve my athletic abilities as well as helping me off the field,” Varoz said. “He treated me as one of his own, disciplining me when necessary and teaching me long life lessons.

“Playing for coach was great because he was a defensive lineman and understood what went on in the trenches.”

Lobendahn, who also taught at the school for years, had at least one or two players each year over a six-year period that was eligible for a DI program in college.

“Joe really bought into the program, even as a seventh and eighth grader,” Vince Lobendahn said. “He’s that kind of kid. He was a youth who came in and put it all out on the field.

“Joe showed up and became the All-Varoz player in my book.”

Two of Joe Varoz’ brothers, Tony and Ray, also played for John Glenn under coach Lobendahn.

“He’s (Joe) very deserving and I hope he does well in college,” Vince Lobendahn added.

Varoz also was lucky to get an official visit to the Minot State University campus and he’s glad he did.

“I like the camaraderie and it’s small and the people are friendly,” he said. “Other recruits were there and we met with our position coaches and toured the campus.”

Much credit by the Varoz family is also given to the Cruz family, Shanon Cruz (JG Assistant Principal) and her husband David Cruz (JG Assistant Athletic Director and current head football coach), who always helped guide Joe academically and encouraged him to utilize his skills on the field.

“I always looked forward to “Friday Night Lights” and to be able to watch Joe on the field, as well as his older siblings,” said Nancy Varoz, Joe’s mom. “It had always been a highlight of my week.”

John Glenn baseball player Adrian Zamora signed and will play at Finlandia University. (Photo by Keith Durflinger)

Adrian Zamora, Finlandia University

Adrian Zamora has a lot of energy. With that, his mother, Gaby Madrazo, decided to sign up young Adrian in sports.

He started out with T-ball at the age of four and eventually played for the Rivera Baseball Association (RBA) in Pico Rivera.

“He has played various sports with the YMCA and football and once for the Norwalk Saints,” Madrazo said. “However, early on he decided that he wanted to stick to baseball.”

Good thing, because it has led to a chance to play in college for the next four years.

“Adrian is a blessing to JG,” said Linda Parra, JG AD. “He just transferred to us this year so we have not been able to watch him play on the field. His mom is awesome and she has kept me informed on his pursuit to play baseball in college and (eventually) let me know when he committed to Finlandia University.” 

Next fall he will head off to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for his next step in life.

“This will be a different aspect and everything,” said Zamora, who has a nickname of Panda, which has stuck with him since he was young. “It will be definitely cool, but I’m excited to play out there. Going on that visit, it felt like home there.

“With coach Purdy talking to me and head coach (Evan) Brandt talking to me and meeting the guys, definitely made me feel like home and I see myself for the next four years there.”

Zamora will be a business major while at Finlandia.

However, first things first. Zamora actually met his varsity baseball coach at JG, (coach Gabriel Guzman) this week for the first time while picking up a cap.

“I first met him (Tuesday) while picking up my hat,” he said. “I’m excited to play for him and hopefully I do get to play for him this year. It definitely makes me feel excited to play as well. I really want to play for John Glenn.

“He told me he’s excited to get on the field and told me Happy Holidays and said, ‘hope to see you on the field.’”

Adrian wasn’t always a pitcher. That is, not until a dad in the RBA noticed how hard he threw and asked him why he wasn’t a pitcher.

After talking to Adrian’s coach, he was given an opportunity to pitch.

“Since that day I remember him saying, ‘I belong (on) that mound,’” Madrazo said. “The moment he was given the opportunity to pitch, he fell in love with that position.”

With that, Adrian has been working with his pitches and currently he has a favorite.

“During the offseason, I’ve been working on my changeup,” he added. “My favorite pitch is my changeup.”

Adrian was always working hard and trying to improve his pitching. He would work with both his dad, Adam Zamora, and step dad, Eduardo Valadez. In addition, he also had some one-on-one instruction along the way.

Still not yet in high school, Adrian got more serious and started playing baseball year ‘round.

“In the summers he played for Adventure Park (Whittier) for fun and winter and spring for RBA,” Madrazo said. “My husband (Valadez) decided to coach him and they even won a championship.”

However, once high school came around the local park leagues were behind him.

He actually formed his own team for the summer and later formed another team in an adult league in the City of Norwalk.

Of course, there aren’t any summer leagues now because of Covid, but as most athletes these days, he works out, while playing catch in the park.

Zamora even has started buying and selling trading cards and occasionally conducts pitching lessons.

All the while, he is waiting for any kind of sign of high school activity and eventually college ball next fall.

Zamora is still building up his excitement for college, which is months away.

“It’s a great choice for me and I can’t wait to get there,” said Adrian, who has a step brother, Dezmond, and also two other brothers, Jayden and Edward. “It’s a blessing to get to know my coaches.”

Zamora, who has been at two other high schools, St. Paul and Pioneer, in his three previous years is glad his mom has been there for him.

“My mom helped me and it was good being there with me in this process,” said Zamora, of the recruiting trail.

When he finally made the decision to go to Finlandia, his mom, Gaby, was already doing her homework on the local services in the area.

Needless to say, Zamora has lots of time to think about his future after high school.

“I got to meet the guys (teammates) on my official visit,” he said. “I really love this school and can’t wait to get out there.”

He’ll have to wait a few months, however.

“I can say that I’m a baseball fan because of (Adrian),” said Gaby Madrazo. “Since this upcoming season is still unknown due to Covid, he’s staying positive and hopeful so that he will have his final season as a senior in high school.

“His passion and love for the game is contagious.”

What they said:

Joe Varoz: “I feel like it will be a great transition for me going into a university and being able to finish my academic and athletic career over there and be able to get a degree.

“My years at John Glenn have been great. I’ve had wonderful coaching staff and wonderful administration and help from the school was much needed during this time. What I would take away from John Glenn to help me in college is learning discipline and holds myself accountable with the things I do and my actions.

“This year it was really difficult to be seen by a college, because usually they come out to practice or camps. California hasn’t been able to hold them because of the stay-at-home orders.

“I am extremely excited and nervous to be playing at the next level, but I know I will have my support from family and friends.”

 Vince Lobendahn, former John Glenn head coach: “Playing in DI, II or III, there’s a lot of stuff that is nice, like the fans, the lights, etc.

“It’s good that Joe bought in to everything. He got to know his plays and when you’re that kid, it showed up in many games.

“He calms things down. We’re really proud of him for that.”

Donnie Lobendahn, former JG assistant coach: “For one year straight, Joe has trained with Toa (Lobendahn), myself, and countless others close to him daily. It’s in his DNA, it’s written in his code that he will outwork you, and if you win, he knows he has to work harder. Joe is very humble, smart and shows his heart the most. I’m really excited that Coach Aldrich at Minot State University will see what kind of cloth Joe is cut from. He’s really the stitching that helped Glenn secure its first league title in 30 years.

“From the end of his freshman season, to this day, I have coached Joe. He has had many influences around him, one being my brother Toa, and one of Joe’s supporters. These supporters all recognize one thing - his determination. He is laser focused on graduating, and playing ball for Minot.”

Nancy Varoz, Joe Varoz’ mom: “Of course I’m so proud of Joe, my son, a child from a middle class family. To be offered an athletic scholarship, not only based on his performance on the football field, but also his academic progress along with his characteristics and qualities of a young man striving for a bright future. So yes Joe, you did it! I’ll always be your biggest cheerleader.

“It’s so unfortunate, due to the pandemic, that he may not be able to step on that field as a senior. And as a parent, I also will possibly not be able to experience that last high school football game.”

Adrian Zamora: “My goal was to make my decision on a college in midseason, but coach Brandt pointed out that I should make the decision if I had an opportunity. He gave me advice and I really appreciated it.

“Another coach said to me, ‘You do realize you’re moving out of state?’ and I said that’s something I want to do.”

Gaby Madrazo, Adrian Zamora’s mom: “As a family, we all enjoy baseball and the Dodgers and even went to Arizona to Spring Training.

“Adrian enjoys playing ball and is excited for this opportunity to continue his education and play baseball.

“Adrian kept sharing with me that college baseball coaches were having zoom meetings and that he would attend the meetings to meet and make connections.

“He connected and maintained contact with one coach in specific. He mentioned he was going to commit and he did.”