Three seniors on their way to the Tiki Bowl
David Jerome
Correspondent
Three Anza Hamilton High seniors were selected for this year’s Hawaiian Tiki Bowl. The invitation-only event selects young athletes with the potential to play in college or the National Football League (NFL).

PHOTO BY HEATHER SPIER
Because of COVID-related travel restrictions, the event will be held in Orlando, Florida, as it was last year. The players will depart Dec. 16 and will spend four days preparing for the game, and being scouted by coaches and representatives from college and NFL teams. Each of eight teams (of up to 35 players) will be coached by two college coaches.
The three student athletes are Caleb Spier of Garner Valley, Aurelius Orozco of Anza and Zach Vollan, also from Anza.
This was the first time in 16 years the Hamilton Bobcats won their league, and made it to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) finals where they won one game before being eliminated.
All three have been with the team for four years, now under an intergenerational coaching team; Coach Brian McGowan is supported by his sons, Head Coach Pat and Offensive Coordinator Joe. They are a family “all in” on Hamilton High athletics.
Heather Spier was team mom for three years. Her duties including feeding those enormous appetites. “Caleb has played wide receiver and as quarterback, led the team to the playoffs this year… He and Zach have been friends and teammates since second grade.” His parents had hoped to join him on the trip, and even bought those non-refundable tickets … but to Hawaii. It is not a good time to pay for two family vacations at once so they will watch the game at home and then look forward to spring in Hawaii… but “[Caleb’s] brother from Indiana will be there to root for him.”
Caleb is not yet sure about next year. Law enforcement like his dad? Biology degree and a game warden’s life? Military service?
Aurelius has played four years on the team, playing on both offensive and defensive line. “Being on the football team is one of the most fun/meaningful things that has ever happened to me… I’m very grateful for the memories I’ve had playing for Hamilton… an experience to remember for a lifetime.” He’s still weighing his options for the future. He’s sorting through his options for college, hopes to keep playing football, but still has to sit down and sort it out.
His parents, Carmen and Ken Orozco, have been Anza residents for six years. Carmen: “The coaches were great, very supportive and encouraging… [The Mc Gowans] are amazing, a second family… When the team was eliminated in the CIF finals the players seemed almost more disappointed to face the end of their time with their teammates and [coaches.]”
April Vollan also very proud and excited. “Zach has been on varsity since his freshman year, and has played all over, defensive end, center, offensive guard. He is [a] 4.0+ student, and has several offers from universities to play dual sports (wrestling is his other), and three other acceptances.” He is looking forward to January and the decision. “In a small community, kids can play more than one sport.,” he said. Zach also is active in the Boy Scouts. Now he’s eyeing a a career as a lawyer, a prosecutor who can “bring justice to those who have been denied it.”
The Crier asked Zach how Anza’s Hamilton High, a small school with about 300 students, ended up sending three players to the Tiki Bowl;
“Hard work and determination to push through anything. We put in the hours and the blood sweat and tears, we gave 100% everyday. We came together as a brotherhood. You couldn’t break our bond, we’re a family… push and persevere… won’t quit, can’t quit.”
In addition to wrestling and football, Zach has been on the track team and has held down jobs. During the COVID pandemic, he began working at the Pizza Factory. He has quit that to focus on scholarships and college, but still does side jobs.
The Hawaiian Tiki Bowl is one of several dozen organizations running invitation-only, all-star high school football games. Players (and family members who want the package, including recreational events and hotel) pay $2,995 each to participate. Having your own hotel bed costs several hundred more. This will be the 20th year for the event.