By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

DAYTON, Ore.–  Dayton’s Jordan Tomas has seen it all during his time at Dayton.  The ups-and-downs, the highs-and-lows of winning and losing seasons and changes in coaching staff.

Tomas remembers when Jacob Peterson came in as Head Football Coach back in 2020, the new head coach encouraged the then junior to step up as a leader.  Something that Tomas took to heart over the next two years with the Pirates.

“When coach Peterson stepped in as head coach, he reached out often to encourage me not only to participate, but to push myself to improve,” Tomas said.  “Everything from crushing it in the weight room, better understanding the game of football, working together as a team, and guiding us to be amazing athletes that the Dayton Community is proud of. 

“Coach Peterson encouraged me to take a leadership role, and I feel like this quality will be beneficial in working with the Redwoods Football team restarting their program. I look forward to working hard with my new teammates in the weight room and be ready for a new beginning.”

On Thursday afternoon, Tomas signed his Letter of Intent to play football at the College of the Redwoods in Eureka, California.  The Corsairs are re-launching their program, their first season this Fall is their first since 2019, since the program was suspended in 2020 due to budget issues.

For the Dayton lineman who helped the Pirates to an 8-2 record and the programs first 3A playoff appearance since the 2017-18 season, being able to be a leader was great.  And it’s something Tomas is hoping to carry over to help reboot the California-based Junior College team.

“Being a leader at Dayton was a great experience for me, I enjoyed working with the lineman and encouraging all to participate, so they could improve as well,” Tomas said.  “Every person on the team is needed and plays an important role, helping them see that made me proud. I have become comfortable with encouraging others and leading by example through hard work. I feel that this will easily carry over to any task, whether playing football or in my future career.”