Corona del Mar’s gentleman under center

Rick Devereux

Unfortunately, in an age when athletes end up in newspapers as often

for indiscretions as for achievements, the image of an athlete is

somewhat tarnished to that of a self-centered, glory-seeking thug. A

popular on-going commercial has tapped into that stereotype and

created “Leon,” who talks to his agent on a cell phone in the on-deck

circle and blames his teammates for not recovering his fumbles.

What a relief to have someone like Tom Welch play for the Corona

del Mar High football team.

“He is such a polite, young gentleman,” Coach Dick Freeman said.

“You don’t get to use that term a lot of times, but Tom is cordial to

everyone. His whole attitude of life, he gives respect to everyone.”

Welch even gives respect to opposing teams, seeking out the

opposing coach for a heart-felt handshake. The coaches probably

appreciate the gesture, even though Welch just dismantled the defense

for another Sea Kings victory.

That was the case Saturday when Welch passed for 249 yards and

four touchdowns in the Pacific Coast League opener against Calvary

Chapel. His career-high numbers, which earned him Daily Pilot Athlete

of the Week honors, could have been much higher. He did not attempt a

pass after the intermission and sat for much of the second half after

his 48-yard touchdown run at the start of the third quarter gave CdM

a 35-0 lead.

“[Offensive coordinator] Tony [Naranjo] told us we were going to

try to throw the ball more against Calvary Chapel,” Welch said. “We

were really stressing it in the bye week and kept running the same

plays over and over again. It gave me a lot of confidence going into

the game.”

Welch has passed for 788 yards with nine touchdowns and only two

interceptions. He has also produced 334 rushing yards and five scores

on 54 carries.

“I just go out there and play,” Welch said. “I’m not going to hit

someone in the face or talk stuff to them.”

Welch is also a talented volleyball player and helped the Sea

Kings advance to the semi-finals of the CIF Southern Section Division

II playoffs.

“I think the mental aspect [in volleyball] is almost the same as

in football,” Welch said. “In football, there might be a little more

thought in the preparation.”

One thing Welch enjoys about both sports is what he enjoys about

all of the endeavors he undertakes.

“I like going out and competing,” he said. “I just try to bring

the best I can.”

His best is pretty darn good. He is a big reason CdM (4-2, 1-0) is

ranked No. 5 in Division IX. His grasp of the option has propelled

the Sea Kings into a dynamic offense that creates problems for

opposing defenses.

“I love the option,” Welch said. “It is a great job by Coach

Freeman to implant it. It gives us another weapon with our running

backs.”

Wess Presson, Austin Brawner and Brett Crowley combined for 1,343

rushing yards last year. Under the option offense, CdM has gained

1,205 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

“[Welch] is a good athlete,” Freeman said. “We’re getting him to

use his abilities. He has made good reads on the option and he’s

getting better each day.”

Welch also sees playing time at cornerback, which he says makes

him a better quarterback.

“I think it does help with recognizing coverages and knowing where

people will be,” he said.

Welch credits the rest of the team for his big game against

Calvary Chapel.

“The line blocked great. The receivers ran great routes. The

running backs picked up blitzes,” he said. “Everyone did their job.”

Modesty and humbleness are not traits typically associated with

athletes, but Welch is not a typical athlete.

“I don’t think he goes out and makes speeches to his teammates,”

Freeman said. “But he’s not afraid to tell people what he thinks. He

accepts ownership of the team.”