Simon Fuentes
Football, Class of 2021
After breaking his collarbone in his senior year at Garden Grove High School, Simon Fuentes thought his athletic career was over. But Coach Tom Shine managed to convince him to come out for Spring ball which led to Fuentes finding himself as a reserve on the 1993 Rancho Santiago (Santa Ana College) Football team.
As a freshman Fuentes saw little time but made the most of it, going 7-for-8 for 69 passing yards. The Dons finished with a 4-5-1 record that year and tied for third in the conference standings.
With a year of college football under his belt, Fuentes returned to
Santa Ana and was named starting quarterback to begin the 1994
season. The 5’10, 175 pound sophomore quarterback led the
Dons to their first conference championship in 23 years.
Fuentes had several impressive performances during the run,
setting the record (4) for passing touchdowns in a game and
throwing for a total of 19 touchdowns with only four interceptions
for the season. He was named Mission Conference Player of the
Year and Don of the Year to cap his historic season.
Following his tenure with the Dons, Fuentes transferred to Eastern
Kentucky University where he continued to shine as he earned allconference
honors and was named 1997 OVC Player of the Year.