Two-Way Standout Soli Leads New-Look Cap

Swiss army knife returns for his senior year of football. Logan Soli, a wide receiver/free safety combo will take the field again after pulling in 40 catches for 500 yards and four touchdowns last season as the Mustangs’ most prolific aerial threat. Soli also had 50 tackles and five interceptions and returned two punts and a kickoff for touchdowns.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Soli and the Mustangs will start the season facing Valley Christian High today at Chabot College, this time with a brand new coaching staff led by head coach Adam Hyndman.

San Bruno Patch caught up with Soli at one of the practices before the team’s first game.

Patch: So Logan, how old were you when you first picked up a football and what led you to keep at it?

Logan Soli: The first time I picked up a football was when I was about five, but I didn't start playing until I was nine. I just love the game. I saw that colleges and the NFL played on TV and I said to myself: “I want to be there one day, no matter what I have to go through.” I just love the sport and I always will.

Patch: Being a two-sport athlete at school, which sport do you feel is harder to prepare/stay conditioned for: football or baseball?

Soli: I would say football is harder to stay conditioned for because if you play on both sides of the ball you have to be in shape because you’re always moving. You have to work hard every day and if you don't, you will be physically tired come game time.

Patch: Looking at last season, the team ended on a good note, defeating rival Mills 28-0. What personal goals do you have in mind coming into this 2011 season?

Soli: I want to help my team win in any way possible. I want to do what I did last year plus more. I want to help us win, because I'm tired of losing. I want to make others better as well and make them work harder than usual. 

Patch: What are some of the areas in which you have improved this offseason?

Soli: I’ve gotten stronger and in better shape. I have worked out more by going to the gym, ran more than usual and I have pushed myself harder. I have also worked on my route-running and getting faster.

Patch: Capuchino football players have a very different locker room than other schools. Have you gotten used to it? What are the pros and cons of having a place like that?

Soli: I have gotten used to our from the previous years. Some pros of the locker room are that we actually have lockers and that we actually have a place to keep our gear in. We have a white board to do to board-work. Some cons about it is that it's hard not having a real locker room. It's not the same because there is not a lot of room, and there are no bathrooms or showers. It's difficult but I’ve gotten used to it.

Patch: This team has a completely different coaching staff than last year. How hard is it to handle that from one year to another and what are some of the changes that you expect to see this season during practice and in-game?

Soli: It’s hard having a different coach from last year because there are whole new formations and new plays. It’s hard to learn new stuff and new routes, especially on defense. The changes I expect to see in practice are different drills and different things to go over. Some changes I expect to see in games are play-calling, but other than that it comes down to us players doing our job, so I am not too worried about that. If we execute our jobs we will win.

Patch: How does Capuchino match up against its first opponents? How do you personally plan to impact these games for your team?

Soli: Our first opponent this year is Valley Christian in pre-season and El Camino in league. We match up against them pretty well. As long as we do what we have to do we will be fine, and we should win. I personally plan to impact these games by doing my job and making big plays. I will do anything it to takes to help us win ball games, on both sides of the ball, whether it's making hits or making catches.

Patch: Which would you say is your toughest opponent this season and why?

Soli: I would say our toughest opponent this year is going to be Hillsdale, because it's toward the end of the season and they want to win as much as we do.  

Patch: Describe your most memorable moment as a Capuchino football player and why was that moment so special.

Soli: My most memorable moment was when I made that diving catch in the end zone against Mt. Eden. It was a fade route and the QB just threw it up in the end zone and all I remember is that I had to make that catch. I cradled it in my arm and came up with the catch with full extension. We ended up winning that game as well.

Patch: How important is the leadership aspect for this team, especially from the seniors? What do you personally do to make an impact?

Soli: Leadership is the most important thing on this team. If we don't have leadership we won't win. Leadership from the seniors is more important than anything. The seniors are the leaders and have to push everybody every day. I personally work hard to make others compete and get better. I fire everybody up, and tell them to just worry about doing their jobs every play.

Patch: Who's your favorite football player and what things do you try to emulate him?

Soli: My favorite football player is Troy Polamalu. He has a nose for the ball like me and I want to be like him. When I see how hard he plays in every game and that motivates me. I try to play like him, going for every ball like he does. If you’re hurt, you play through it.

Patch: Take your pick: catching the winning touchdown to end the game or getting a pick-six to close it out?

Soli: I would want to make the winning catch to win the game, because I know everyone did their job… from the line holding their blocks to the QB making a good throw to me making the winning catch. A team effort, it would make me proud and I would love the feeling of it.

Patch: Have you had any thoughts on where you'd like to play in the next level? Any offers? 

Soli: I haven't thought about it yet, but as long as there's football; I'll be there. I still have to think about what college though, I haven’t gotten any offers yet, but that doesn't mean I won't. I just have to keep working hard on the field and in the classroom.