Jeremy McGoldrick knows how to adapt.
The humble athlete goes through his day blending into any crowd, just one of the many kids cruising before practice. But when he takes the field, the 5-foot-7, 140-pound junior wide receiver stands out as much as anyone.
PROFILE
» College aspirations: “I haven’t gotten any looks for football, but I hope to play football in college, somewhere in California.”
» Biggest influences: “I look up to my dad a lot because he’s always pushed me to do my best. He’s probably been the biggest influence on me. I look up to Derrick Rose because I’m a huge basketball fan too and he’s from Chicago too, so he was one of my idols growing up.”
» Pregame rituals: “I just try to drink a lot of water so I don’t get any cramps. I have one of my linemen Sage (Tanioka) stretch me out before the games. He does a good job of that, he makes me feel good and loose. I just stay focused. I’m pretty quiet before games, I just like to gather my thoughts.”
» On coach Nelson Maeda: “He pushes us because we only have limited numbers. He does a good job of making us realize that for us to succeed, we need to keep working hard and believe in one another.”
» Up next: After a bye week, Castle will square off against McKinley at Roosevelt High School on Oct. 3.
|
McGoldrick, who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, moved to Hawaii the summer before his freshman year at Castle High School.
“I ended up moving here because my mom grew up in Kailua,” McGoldrick said. “It’s a lot different, but I like it down here. I’m glad I moved.”
Moving to the islands also led to a football revival for McGoldrick, who didn’t play the game in middle school. McGoldrick also stars in baseball, basketball, and track and field. His versatility also is on full display on the gridiron, taking on ironman status as a defensive back and appearing regularly on special teams.
As the go-to guy in the Knights’ high-octane offense, McGoldrick leads the state in receiving touchdowns with 15. Not bad for someone who moved to receiver just this year, having previously played quarterback his entire career.
“Having Jeremy’s presence is a big, big asset to our team,” Castle coach Nelson Maeda said. “We’re trying to extract all his talents onto the field and utilize his abilities.
“Unfortunately we don’t have a few more Jeremys where we can clone him and have him on the field. We just need his talents on the field, so he plays almost the whole game.”
Despite putting up one of the state’s most prolific seasons with 40 receptions and 665 receiving yards, McGoldrick is quick to credit those who have been vital to his success.
“I have a good bond with my quarterback (Willie Ewaliko). We’re close friends and we know what we can do on the field,” McGoldrick said. “My teammates mean everything. It’s all about the bond you make with your teammates.”
For Ewaliko, the feeling is definitely mutual.
“I have a lot of trust in him to go up and get the ball wherever I put it. When I throw him the ball, he just does what he does and makes it happen,” Ewaliko said with a smile. “We’re really good friends and that translates into football. … He’s a really good teammate. We work good together and he plays his heart out.”
Maeda, who has led Castle for 19 years, knows a special player when he sees one. He compares McGoldrick to former Knights standout Shaydon Kehano, another wide receiver who went on to enjoy a successful four-year career at NCAA FCS school Weber State.
As a quintessential scholar-athlete with a 3.8 grade-point average, McGoldrick seems prepared for almost any audible that is called in his life. Although McGoldrick has yet to pick up any college offers, he is carving his own legacy at Castle and Maeda readily agrees.
“He’s setting a legacy for himself as one of the best receivers and athletes to come out of Castle High School,” Maeda said. “He makes up for his size with his ability, his effort and his determination. Nobody has anything ill to say about Jeremy. … He’s a great person with great character. He’s quiet and leads by example.
“There is always a place for a guy like him at the next level. He can excel there if he keeps working hard.”
The High School Top 10
Voted on by coaches and media statewide. First-place votes in parentheses. Ten points for first-place votes, nine for second, etc.
FOOTBALL
| TEAM |
POINTS |
LW |
| 1. Saint Louis (12) |
136 |
1 |
| 2. Punahou (1) |
125 |
2 |
| 3. Mililani (1) |
113 |
3 |
| 4. Kahuku |
102 |
4 |
| 5. Kamehameha |
78 |
5 |
| 6. Farrington |
62 |
6 |
| 7. Waianai |
59 |
8 |
| 8. Kailua |
51 |
7 |
| 9. Kapaa |
23 |
9 |
| 10. Kapolei |
10 |
10 |
Other votes: Radford 6, Nanakuli 2, Damien 2, Maui 1
VOLLEYBALL
| TEAM |
POINTS |
LW |
| 1. ‘Iolani (12) |
120 |
1 |
| 2. Punahou |
108 |
2 |
| 3. Kamehameha |
92 |
3 |
| 4. Konawaena |
86 |
4 |
| 5. Moanalua |
72 |
5 |
| 6. Seabury Hall |
50 |
8 |
| 7. Kahuku |
49 |
6 |
| 8. Mililani |
32 |
NR |
| 9t. Mid-Pacific |
14 |
9 |
| 9t. KS-Maui |
14 |
NR |
Other votes: KS-Hawaii 11, Hawaii Baptist 7, Kalaheo 2, Waiakea 2, Hanalani 1
Most Read Hawaii Prep World Headlines
1. Reviewing hit that ended Yam’s season
2. Kamehameha’s Yam out for the season
3. Scrappers on Mililani’s defense step up again
4. Saint Louis holds on to No. 1 ranking
5. LIVE BLOG: Mililani vs. Farrington
6. LIVE BLOG: Saint Louis vs. ‘Iolani
7. Tagovailoa is day-to-day
8. Olomua back home after hospital visit
9. Pick your poison for Farrington defense
10. LIVE BLOG: Punahou vs. Kamehameha
Top Performers
LINEMAN OF THE WEEK
Maa Tanuvasa, Mililani
He amassed nine tackles and had an interception in the Trojans’ win over Farrington.
OFFENSE BACK OF THE WEEK
Vavae Malepeai, Mililani
The senior running back scored three times against Farrington and surpassed Joe Igber of ‘Iolani on the career rushing touchdowns list. Malepeai scored on runs of 12, 52 and 1 yard to increase his total to 57 TDs. Malepeai finished the game with 134 rushing yards on 14 carries. Igber’s mark (56 TDs) had stood since 1999.
DEFENSE BACK OF THE WEEK
Kekaula Kaniho, Mililani
The 6-foot, 170-pound junior safety hustled for three interceptions in the Red Raiders’ 41-6 win at Leilehua on Saturday night.
TOP CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS OF THE WEEK
Jordan Jones, Pac-Five
She ran the ‘Iolani Invitational at Kualoa Ranch in a time of 19 minutes, 0.18 seconds to lead local girls in the event.
Louie Ondo, Waiakea
He led island boys in the ‘Iolani Invitational with a time of 16:30.87.
VOLLEYBALL
Bailey Choy, ”Iolani
The senior setter distributed 23 assists as the No. 1 Raiders swept powerhouse Kamehameha on Tuesday. ‘Iolani finished 17th at the Durango Classic over the weekend.
