The last school year started on a tough note for West Hills College Coalinga’s Anthony Robinson.
A gentle giant—at least when he’s not on the football field--the 5’10”, 220 pound defensive linebacker’s family lost almost everything they owned in his native New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. But his family has endured and Robinson will finish his degree at West Hills on May 26th after being named a Coca-Cola Community All-American for his commitment to volunteerism and community involvement. The national recognition came after a panel of representatives from the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) selected Robinson as the top community college student nationwide for his efforts both on and off the field.
The award comes on the heels of his selection to the all-Central Valley Conference football team and being named the WHCC most valuable defensive player last season.
Robinson said it was difficult being in Coalinga while family members were being flooded out of their homes but that his Falcon team and community members were supportive and helped him through the ordeal. His family has relocated to Arizona where everyone is doing well, he reports.
In his nomination of Robinson to NACDA, WHCC Athletic Director Bob Clement said that Robinson volunteered in a number of outreach activities with his teammates “leading the way and setting a great example in the areas of leadership, commitment, trustworthiness and accountability.”
Much of Robinson’s work in the community focused on youth and senior citizens. He volunteers his time in a fitness class for senior citizens (the youngest participant is 77) and visits skilled nursing facilities.
But Clement says that Robinson has the biggest impact when working with youth.
“The feedback we received from Huron Middle School (whose students are mostly from farm worker families) was very complimentary of the impact Anthony had on students,” Clement said in the nomination.
Robinson has also worked in pre-school recreation programs, youth football camps, a bicycle rodeo that teaches bike safety, school reading and physical education activities.
“His help with the junior high after-school reading/physical education program helped the students not only succeed in the classroom and become physically fit, but it also made them aware of college opportunities,” Clement said.
Robinson’s honor comes with a $5,000 award to the Virgie Jenneford Foundation in his hometown of New Orleans.
After graduation, Robinson looks forward to reuniting with his family in Arizona and attending Arizona State where he plans to major in physical therapy. He also hopes to play football there.