Student Athlete of the Week – Ivan Camargo

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) -- Coachella Valley senior running back Ivan Camargo is this week's student athlete of the week.

"He is a rare mix of academic success and academic focus and just relentless, tireless art and execution on the field," Arabs head coach Bill Johnson said.

Ivan Camargo, a bruising running back with breakaway speed, has been dominant all season long with over 2200 yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground. Still, under the pads, the senior standout has faced adversity that is tough on any athlete. 

"He got deported a while ago, so it was kind of hard for me," Arabs senior Camargo said. "My biggest setback was not having my father around here, so we would have to visit him a lot in Mexico. I'm really proud of myself where I've come because I haven't really had that much time, as many have, as many kids have started young. I had to start as a high schooler."

The senior tailback is also an impressive student, maintaining a 3.9 GPA, and he wouldn't be where he is today without Bill Johnson, who has served more as a mentor than a coach.

"Both of them have really helped me out not only as an athlete but just growing up as, you know, as a young adult and being the figure that I want to be for my younger brothers and being that having to step up as the father figure for them," Arabs senior Camargo said.

With coach Johnson's impact, Camargo continued to give his best in every aspect of his life, a trait that has set him apart from the rest of the greats at Coachella Valley High School. 

"You don't see that very often," Arabs head coach Johnson said. "A guy go all four years varsity in three different sports, so that's huge. He's very focused on being college-bound and maintaining a high GPA, and he's done that successfully all throughout high school. If, anytime, you know, he slips up, he picks it right back up, and he's done a great job with that. He is an excellent example of what a student athlete looks like."

We are always looking for Student-Athlete of the Week nominations. If you know a senior who should be featured next, be sure to contact the KESQ sports department.

The Student-Athlete of the Week segment airs every Tuesday.