NORTH NAPLES, Fla. — For Aubrey Rogers senior Darian Alvarez-Garcia, the football field is pretty much his second home. Not just because he’s out there for every football practice and game, but also to perform in the school’s marching band.
“What a fantastic young man,” said Aubrey Rogers head coach JJ Everage. “He’s everything you hope that your son or your daughter would be.”
“I think my situation is unique because I do often times play both offensively and defensively,” said Alvarez-Garcia. “So I really never leave the field.”
Darian comes to the brand new high school as a transfer from Naples High School. As a Golden Eagle, he had to choose between playing football and being in the marching band because of conflicting schedules. But as a Patriot, he’s able to do it all.
“It’s a lot of process knowing that I have to memorize all the plays for football and I have to memorize all of the music along with where I’m supposed to be on the field,” Alvarez-Garcia added. “I do like to challenge, which is why I do it, and thankfully I’ve been allowed to do both here, unlike some other schools that don’t give you the opportunity. So I’m really thankful for it.”
When the football team heads to the locker room at halftime, the middle linebacker catches his breath for another performance.
“Usually I run off the field and try to find whoever’s holding my saxophone, assemble it real quick and take off my helmet and I just go right back out on the field,” he said.
He’s definitely not like the average teenager. He’s a captain for both the football team and the marching band. He also takes honors classes while taking aviation courses to get his pilot’s license.
“I think it’s really interesting seeing how his leadership role translates from the band to the football field because it’s different roles,” said Darian’s brother, Adrian.
“He’s got his hands in everything,” said Everage. “He’s just the ultimate role model. He’s driven unlike any young man I’ve ever seen. He wants to experience the most of life. He wants to get the best and the most out of life that he possibly can. If it’s interesting to him, he’s going to find a way to tackle it. And that’s what makes him so unique and special.”
Darian is one of just three seniors on this year’s marching band, having to spread his expertise and experience among all of the younger musicians.
“It’s been great, him being a welcoming senior to the freshmen who are coming in not knowing anything,” said Aubrey Rogers band director, Jason Jones. “It’s been a huge relief on my end, the weight off my shoulders, being able to say that’s our go-to guy right there.”
Although he’s involved in many extracurricular activities, Darian gives his all every day. Even though school has only been in session for a few months, he’s well on his way to leaving a lasting legacy at Aubrey Rogers.
“I’m very proud of the work he’s doing and of his impact on the school so far,’ said Adrian. “I’m very proud to be his brother.”
“I do enjoy keeping busy,” added Darian. “I love taking every opportunity I can.”