Sports Column: Former standout gridiron star Allen Perryman joins COS football staff

But I try.

However, since 2013, when I founded The Leader, I think I’ve done a fairly credible job of delivering Lemoore news to Lemoore area readers, and based on the response from readers, I think I’ve been fairly successful.

On that note, I’ve not done much in the way of opinion during my tenure as an editor and publisher. Of course, an occasional column or editorial has graced the online pages of The Leader but granted, any editorial thoughts have unfortunately been few and far between.

However, I made a vow to myself recently that I need to take the time to comment on matters of interest to the Lemoore area readers.

On that note, for starters, something positive.

I always got a kick out of writing about young people who excel in education or athletics. I believe I’ve been to just about every college signing (normally held in the foyer of the school’s event center) since I began the newspaper in 2013. At the time I was still serving as an administrator at Lemoore High School.

It’s always a pleasant feeling when I see students who excel – whether on the court or the classroom – earn accolades for their efforts.

We learned recently that former Lemoore High School student-athlete, Allen Perryman, an excellent student, and standout athlete – who excelled in football and basketball – recently found himself in a new job after graduating from Sacramento State, where he earned a scholarship to play football.

College of the Sequoias head football coach, Travis Burkett, this week added the talented Perryman to his coaching staff where the standout Sacramento State letter-winner plans to coach the Giants’ defensive backs.

Not a bad pick. If anyone knows about the defensive backfield, it’s Perryman. A 2016 Lemoore High School grad, Perryman also had a successful career at Sacramento State and according to past Leader articles, he was a highly regarded college recruit. As a senior, Perryman was a first-team all-West Yosemite League selection as a senior wide receiver and free safety.

He was also a second-team all-state selection as a safety. He caught 43 passes for 763 yards and 14 touchdowns. Let’s not stop there. He also rushed 13 times for 176 yards. Lemoore, during Perryman’s final year, sported a 10-3 record, won a West Yosemite League championship, and entered the Central Section Division II championship game.

On defense, Perryman had 51 tackles and three interceptions, and as a junior, he earned all-state honors with 554 receptions for 1,070 yards and nine touchdowns. He had 61 tackles and nine interceptions on defense.

Let’s not forget that the talented athlete also excelled in basketball where Perryman was a first-teamer, and all-West Yosemite League selection for the Tigers in 2016. That same spring Perryman and his teammates won the WYL championship, and in March they won the Division II Central Section Championship after pounding out an 84-77 victory over Ridgeview High School in Fresno’s Selland Arena.

Perryman was named the game’s MVP. “I’m so excited and happy to win a valley championship,” he said at the conclusion of the game in 2016. “It’s the first championship I’ve ever won. It’s a good win and it’s a great atmosphere and I’m just happy for my teammates.”

I’m guessing Mr. Perryman, should he stay in athletics, will enjoy a successful career. In fact, based on my experience, he would probably excel in any field.