Student: Anthony Puentes
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Anthony wants to become a personal trainer after high school because he wants to help people reach their fitness goals and make them feel better about themselves. Down the road, he wants a humble family life, but there is no rush on that.
GPS Focus: GROWTH & PRIDE
What Makes Adrian #BulldogSTRONG: One of the many joys of high school football is when the quiet and unassuming athletes make big time plays in big time moments, establishing themselves as key players in the success of the team. Such is the case for Golden Valley High School senior Anthony Puentes. However, Anthony’s success on the football field can be attributed to time spent in the confines of the boxing ring as he developed toughness, athleticism, and discipline. Starting with the Bakersfield Police Activities League and then with the Kern County Fight Club, Anthony’s ability to spar allowed him to travel out of town and state to compete in matches, but more than anything, he learned the intrinsic values of discipline and focus through boxing. “Boxing is really demanding and you have to be very strict with your approach,” explains Anthony, “You have to be strict with your training and your diet in order to make weight and in order to be ready to fight.” Overall, Anthony boxed 12 official fights with a 8-4 record, with many of his victories coming by way of knockout. Anthony credits boxing for his success on the football field. “Boxing has made me a better football player overall,” states Anthony, “It has provided me with amazing confidence. It also pushes me to my limit and lets me know what I am capable of and I have found that I am capable of being able to do a lot.”
Through boxing, GVHS Senior Anthony Puentes developed toughness, athleticism, and discipline that has helped him on the football field.
As a junior slot receiver and wingback, Anthony, with his quiet and humble demeanor, flew under the radar until he started making explosive plays in practice with his speed and toughness, forcing coaches to give him more playing time. Additionally, coaches started to take notice of his relentless work ethic and team first mentality while maintaining a very tranquil persona. “I would say I am more of a silent leader on the team,” states Anthony, “I’m not necessarily the rowdiest individual or the guy to get the team hyped up, but I feel lead by example with my toughness more than anything.”
After a one of his touchdowns as a junior, #14 Anthony Puentes was hoisted in the air by teammate #12 Vicente Alatorre.
Anthony’s leadership and toughness was on display in a Week 7 matchup against Ridgeview High School. With the team down going into the first half against the Wolf Pack, the Bulldogs needed a spark to get back into the game and Puentes provided that by pulling down a 15 yard touchdown reception in traffic off a wheel route against a stingy and fast Ridgeview defense. In the succeeding game against Independence High School, Anthony took an inside hand off and rushed 55 yards into the end zone, further cementing his status as a true playmaker for the Bulldogs. For the season, Anthony finished with approximately 175 rush yards and 100 yards receiving with those 2 touchdowns. Head Coach James Cain indicates that Anthony will be a factor for the Bulldogs this year when students are allowed to come back to compete in athletics. “Anthony will get his touches this year,” Comments Cain, “We expect many exciting moments with the ball in his hands resulting in many more touchdowns.” For his toughness, humility, discipline, and quiet leadership that he displays on the football field and in the boxing ring, Anthony Puentes is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Anthony: "To be #BulldogSTRONG to me is to go above and beyond what is expected or told. Never settle for less. Just to be a good person.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Anthony:
"Anthony is a great young man with a great attitude who really embodies the ‘We Over Me’ Culture we are building in our football Program. On the field or in the class Anthony can be counted on to do the right things, the right way. Excited to see what the future holds for him.” James Cain, Head Football Coach, Golden Valley High School
“I had Anthony in my French class for 2 years, and one of his outstanding BulldogSTRONG qualities is the respect and politeness he showed to his classmates and me. He was always calm and focused on his tasks while trying his best to improve his proficiency in the language. He was disciplined, always positive, and strove to make a positive impact on his friends. Surely, Anthony will continue to be BulldogSTRONG now and in the future."” May Feghali, French Teacher, Golden Valley High School
"It was fun to watch Anthony grow as a football player last year. From the beginning of summer to the last game of the season Anthony put in many hours of hard work to make himself and his team better. Anthony works hard in the classroom as well, to maintain a 3.00 avg. last year. I can’t wait till we get back on the field and see how much further Anthony can take us." Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“Anthony Puentes has been a great example of what it means to be #BulldogSTRONG this school year. He has shown Growth as a learner since I had him in summer school two years ago; Anthony has matured tremendously and is one of my best performing students during distance learning. Also, Anthony displays Pride in being a Bulldog which is shown in his participation in on campus activities and as a member of our Bulldog Football team. One of the best parts of teaching is seeing a student mature and grow into being an example of being #BulldogSTRONG. ” John Hansen, Government Teacher & We The People Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Anthony Puentes truly represents the #BulldogSTRONG spirit. He has shown Growth in his math classes since he became a freshman at GV. He takes Pride in his academic work and in sports. He takes Service to the next level as he is always ready to help his peers. For these reasons, Anthony Puentes is #BulldogSTRONG!” Luis Jauregui, Math Teacher, Golden Valley High School