Chase in charge
By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com

Chase Calderon

For the last two years, Westlake High inside linebacker Chase Calderon hasn't been very vocal on the field. Instead, it's Calderon's hard hits on opposing offenses that have been making noise.

At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Calderon doesn't look like the typical linebacker, but he's played well enough to start for three seasons for the Warriors.

"His size doesn't dictate that he should be a great linebacker," WHS head coach Jim Benkert said. "When you see him, he's not a self-imposing kid, but he does the best with what has been given to him, and he's a great player and student of the game."

Though he may not fit the general size requirement for the position, there's no place Calderon would rather be than linebacker.

"I love linebacker because it seems that no matter what, you are always in the game doing something important," Calderon said.

This season, Calderon will take on an even more important role for the Warriors as he was named a co-captain by Benkert. In his new role, Benkert is hoping Calderon can become a vocal leader.

BIG-PLAY POTENTIAL-Westlake senior linebacker Chase Calderon goes up high in the air to bat down a pass during practice.

"He needs to be much more outgoing this year and not as reserved as he's used to," Benkert said. "So far he has really improved in that area."

Calderon models his game after Greg Newman, a graduate of Westlake in 2003 who played linebacker for the Warriors' undefeated CIF championship team.

"I was brought up briefly for the playoffs in 2003," he said. "I was honored and excited to be a part of that team and it was nice to know that the seniors had my back. I learned a lot (from them)."

The Warriors haven't returned to the playoffs since his freshman season, but according to Calderon, the team will be back in the race this year.

"This team is hungry for that playoff berth, and so far, the team is working really well together," Calderon said.

Besides causing havoc on defense, Calderon is also expected to see some time at running back.

"He played running back before high school, so it's not entirely new to him," Benkert said. "On offense, he will be used for short-yardage blocking and running. He seems to have an instinct for the goal line and has the ability to perform in those situations."

Calderon said playing running back has also helped him learn more about his linebacker position.

"Oh yeah, definitely," Calderon said. "By playing running back I can see more of the other side of the ball and learn more of what I need to do on defense."

When he's not on the field at Warrior Stadium, Calderon has no trouble making noise. He enjoys playing guitar.

"I love music and I've played guitar for about four years," he said. "I really like (Jimi) Hendrix and a lot of heavy bands that most people don't even know about."

Benkert has always asked his players to be one-year better than the previous season, and the coach thinks Calderon is living up to that standard so far.

"When it's time to select captains for the upcoming year, I go in and listen to what the other players have to say about who they would like as captains," Benkert said.

"Then, once I hear what they say, I choose the captain," the coach said. "Calderon has done a fine job of being a captain, because he exhibits great qualities both on the field and off the field."