Wednesday, June 14, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
9
Gurney brothers will play football for George Fox University
zy Rongi Yodt
Correspondent
The Gurney brothers have
been stand-out athletes for
the Outlaws for the past sev-
eral years and will take their
skills, talents, and abilities
to the next level. On June 6
twins Jacob and Jonny signed
an official letter of intent to
play football for George Fox
University.
Jacob and Jonny always
wanted to play football, but
the earliest they could start
in Sisters was fourth grade
flag football. They told The
Nugget they would have
loved to play tackle but didn’t
want to travel to Bend.
Both boys shared memo-
ries from those early years.
Jonny said, “We didn’t
win one game that first year
we played flag football. But
the second year we got to
have all the same players
back on our team and we
won every game, and went
on to win the championship.
We had a solid group: us, the
Head boys (Tanner and Tyler)
Ryan Cook, and Tucker
Brink, and we stayed together
all through high school.”
Jacob said, “In sixth grade
we got to play tackle football,
and I wanted to play tight
end and catch the ball. In our
first game I only got to play
defense. In our second game,
I got to play tight end for
one play and got five yards.
I was so stoked! In our third
game, we lost our left tackle
so the coach decided my
efforts would be better spent
at offensive line, and I’ve
played there ever since.”
The Gurney brothers con-
tinued to enjoy the game, and
played all through middle and
high school. They both were
recognized by the Sky-Em
League for their outstanding
play this past year.
Jacob was this year’s
Sky-Em Defensive Player of
the Year. He was a first-team
offensive tackle selection,
and is a two-time MVP at
linebacker in the Sky-Em
Conference.
Coach Gary Thorson said,
“Jacob is physically and men-
tally tough, and very reliable.
He has a tremendous love
for the game of football and
it shows in how he practices
and plays on Friday night.
He has a great practice work
ethic that rubs off on others,
and is a leader by example.”
Jonny was named second-
team quarterback and was
a second team selection at
linebacker.
Thorson said, “Jonny is
extremely versatile and one
of our best athletes the last
few years. Gaining honors at
both these positions is in itself
an example of his abilities.
Jonny was a wildcat quarter-
back in our offense, and his
running ability added another
dimension to the Outlaws’
offense this past season.
Along with his brother, and
Ryan Cook, probably the best
high school trio of lineback-
ers I got to work with in all
my years as a high school
coach.”
The Gurneys have many
memories of their final year
as Outlaws, and shared one
highlight that stood out
among the rest.
Jonny said, “It was our
game against Sutherlin, and
one of our easier games this
year. I was kind of dinged
up from our previous game,
and I only got one play in the
entire game. Coach put me in
as receiver. The quarterback
hiked the ball and pitched it
to the running back at the left.
I ran back to the right, and the
running back pitched me the
ball. I threw it to the receiver
(Christopher Luz), who ran
80 yards for the touchdown.
We almost got Play of the
Week on the news channel,
but we came in second.”
Jacob said, “The high-
light of my senior year was
my pick six (interception
returned for a touchdown)
against Crook County.”
Jacob and Jonny have
always wanted to play at the
next level, and sent football
videos to several colleges,
but never made a commit-
ment. Then, George Fox
University’s head coach
contacted Thorson about the
Gurneys.
One of the Bruins’ offen-
sive coordinators came to
Sisters to meet with the twins.
After several phone calls, the
brothers made an official
visit to the campus. Jacob and
Jonny toured the campus and
football facilities. They met
with the coaches and players,
and even spent an evening
bowling with them.
While still on campus,
both boys were offered a spot
on the team; Jacob at line-
backer and Jonny at wide
receiver.
The George Fox football
program is still in its infancy,
and just wrapped up their
fourth year in the league.
Even though they’re a start-
up program they tell their
PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK
Jonny and Jake Gurney digned to play together at George Fox Univerdity.
players they’re going to play
like a championship program.
Jacob and Jonny shared
how they feel about playing
at the collegiate level.
Jacob said, “I’m excited
and nervous. I’m excited to
be playing with people who
love the sport and will give
their all to the team. And
I’m nervous about the better
competition.”
Jonny commented, “It’s
exciting because it’s the next
step in the sport. Everything
is bigger and players are bet-
ter. I know it’s going to be a
lot of hard work.”
The Gurneys told The
Nugget that they chose
George Fox because it’s a
good Christian-based school
and they’ll be close to home.
They also are looking for-
ward to small class sizes
where they will be able to
know their teachers on a per-
sonal level.
Jonny plans to pur-
sue a degree in business
administration.
“I want to be a good busi-
ness manager,” said Jonny. “I
love being around people and
talking with people.”
Jacob plans to get a
Bachelor of Science degree,
and then go into pre-med.
Eventually, Jacob wants to
become an anesthesiologist.
“It’s going to be a high-
level game and it’s going to
be risky,” said Jacob. “But
I’ve always loved to care for
people. All the years of study
are going to be worth it.”
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