Cameron Cherry - Oakdale High School

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Full Name: Cameron Cherry

Age: 17

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 195lbs.

Parents: Adorthus Cherry & Heather Chripczuk

Siblings: Alexis, Jaxon, Asher, Mandy and Koby

Year in School: Senior

School: Oakdale High School; Oakdale, CA

Coach: Trent Merzon

Jersey Number: 20

Position: Running Back

Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/profile/7227402/cameron-cherry

Instagram: @theeecherry

Twitter: @cameroncherry10

 

Although most people know Cameron Cherry as a standout running back, few know that he started out his youth sports career in baseball.  “I started playing baseball in the first grade and made the switch to football in the 4th grade where I played for Big Valley Christian for the next five years,” he says. This decision proved to be right on-the-money as Cameron has made a name for himself on the local football scene helping to lead the Oakdale Mustangs to last year’s Division 3 state football championship and yet another Valley Oak League title.  When football season is over, you can find him running track on his school’s team and playing just about every sport there is for fun.

 

Recently, journalist and high school football blogger, Richard Estrada, best known as “Black Hat Football”, recently awarded Cameron as the 2017 Starbucks/Black Hat Football Offensive MVP in the Central Valley. “Cherry was the most explosive running back in The 209, and one of the elite runners in Northern California with his blazing speed and physical style. He ran for 2,154 yards and 27 touchdowns, after rushing for 1,500 yards and 10 TDs as the Mustangs’ No. 2 runner in 2016.  What makes Cherry’s season remarkable is he had just 206 carries - that’s just 15 carries a game, and 10-plus yards a carry,” cites Estrada.

 

Cameron is quick to credit his family for encouraging him to reach for the stars. “I have a split family (2 sets of parents) with multiple brothers and sisters. While some people may see this as being a negative, it’s really been positive for me.  My parents and step-parents have provided me with unconditional love and support and this drives me to do my best,” he proudly admits.

 

How and where does this young athlete draw inspiration?  He contends that it’s plentiful coming from several aspects of his life.  “I look to God and my Dad, IFBB Professional Bodybuilding, Adorthus Cherry, for inspiration.  He trains me, not just in the gym, but in life and motivates me to keep pushing. I’m inspired by the diversity I see in people and even more driven to succeed after the loss of my brother.  Together, all of these things force me to focus on becoming a better person and better athlete.”

 

How do you successfully juggle the demands of school, practice, and games?

We have a great system at Oakdale both academically and in sports.  I also have a great home life, so that kind of support makes things easy for me and helps me to prioritize.  All I have to do is to follow the direction of my parents, teachers, and coaches.

 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 

Playing in the NFL!

 

What are your strengths physically and mentally as a running back and what is your philosophy on discipline?

Definitely, my speed and strength and my ability to know what the defenders are trying to do. My philosophy on discipline?  4 things: (1) There is no off-season, (2) Never settle, (3) Never give up, (4) Whatever it is, stay on the grind!

 

How have you improved as an athlete from year to year?

Each year, my body has matured.  I spend a lot of time studying games and game films, so my knowledge for the game has improved.

 

How do you prepare for football on and off-season?

There is NO off-season.  My Dad and I train year-round, we don’t miss a beat when it comes to training.  I also have great football coaches and teammates who keep me motivated and hungry.

What is the biggest lesson that football has taught you and how can you apply that to real life? Football has taught me to never give up.  It applies to real life because, no matter who you are, life is full of ups and downs. 

 

What is the next step for you as a football player?

I’m planning on playing at the next level.  I’m currently weighing my options as to what the best opportunity that presents itself is.

 

What is the biggest lesson that you've learned from your coach this year?

To “trust the system”.

 

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to face this year and how did you overcome this challenge?  

Mentally and physically, the biggest challenge I’ve had to face this year was continuing to improve my own skills while helping my teammates improve on theirs.  This was a humbling, on-going lesson in the importance of being part of a team on and off the field. There is so much you can accomplish when you work together.  

 

3 words to describe yourself:

  • Disciplined

  • Loving

  • Charismatic

 

3 words that others would use to describe you:

  • Honest

  • Confident

  • Independent

 

3 little known facts about you:

  • I love to fish

  • I like skateboarding

  • I enjoy doing yoga

 

Words and phrases that others use when describing you:

  • “Cherry”

  • “Unstoppable”

  • “Never seen someone so committed”

 

What is your most memorable moment of the season?

My most memorable moment of the season is scoring the winning touchdown and clinching the VOL Championship in our last regular season league game with 21 seconds left!

 

What motivates you to play well during a game?

Thinking about the work I put in, the support that has been given to me by the fans and seeing my family in the crowd.

 

Is there anyone that you'd like to thank or acknowledge and why?

Coach Merzon (Head Coach at Oakdale High School).  He’s put me in a position where I strive and am able to shine because he has trust in me.  My family and most especially, my step-parents for their unconditional love and support.

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