Tanner Menning is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned  to cover Coronado for AZPreps.365.com

Coronado (1-7) is struggling this season, but its senior linebacker Dylan Cruz is is shining in two aways on the football field and on the diamond.

Cruz is a two-sport athlete who also play baseball for the Dons. However, it’s not just his athletic abilities that make him valuable. He's also a mentor to the younger guys on the team. 

Born and raised in Arizona, Dylan was exposed to football and baseball when he was five years old. Originally, Cruz played for Saguaro’s feeder team, but, he chose Coronado because he knew it allowed him to be seen by recruits compared to the elite football program across town in Scotsdale.  

Dylan looked up to the Arizona Cardinals' future Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and tried to mirror his work ethic.

“He is the hardest working and most respected person I've ever seen,” Cruz said.

Some habits from Fitzgerald have carried over for Dylan. When Benjamin became Coronado's head coach three years ago, he quickly saw Cruz's leadership qualities. 

“He is the most influential player in the program and has done an excellent job of keeping the players responsible, dedicated, and emotionally adaptive to the challenges we face here at Coronado,” Benjamin said. 

Cruz said he would rather play professional football instead of baseball. Dylan understands football won’t always be there for him, and it motivates him to perform well in the classroom. 

As of now Dylan holds junior college offers, but mentioned he might walk on at Northern Arizona.

Cruz talked about the life lessons he has learned while playing sports. He's learned the importance of having a team or family around him when times get hard. 

“And that is the best part about being on a team,” Cruz said. 

Benjamin called Dylan a “blessing” to the program. Coronado is a smaller private school, and has some underclassmen who have never played football before, making Dylan a very valuable teacher as well as a player.

For the past two seasons, Dylan has served as captain and was a vital piece in the team securing a homecoming night win for the first time in eight years earlier this season. 

“Dylan is very coachabe," Benjamin said. "He has become the best player and an example for this program due to his work ethic and commitment to Coronado, our coaching staff, and most importantly to himself.” 

Outside of sports and the classroom, Dylan likes to enjoy his free time with family and friends. Dylan and his family love to travel, and his favorite food is chicken fingers from Canes. As for his music taste, he listens to "Dreams and Nightmares" by Meek Mill before every game as his pump-up song.

With the season coming to an end, Dylan understands that his time playing for Coronado is coming to a close.

“I want to thank coach Benjamin for everything he has taught me,” Cruz said.

Dylan mentioned he wants to see the team continue to work hard. Coronado only has one win on the year, however, they have been improving every week at some level, and Dylan does not want to see hard work thrown away.   

Coronado (1-7) will travel to Arete Prep (4-4) this Friday (Oct. 25) at 7 p.m.