Noki Lam
Sports Editor
Senior wide receivers Reese Leonard and Charlie O’Connor made Costa football history as they became the first Mustang duo to tally 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. Both Leonard and O’Connor also played cornerback during the season, and were a focal point of both sides of the ball for Costa.
Leonard began his varsity career for the Mustangs as a freshman during the 2020-21 season, and has expanded upon his game during his four years on the team. According to Leonard, he attributes his improvement over time to various outlets of offseason training each year.
“Each year I’ve been able to get faster and stronger while running track and also lifting,” Leonard said. “I’ve become a better route runner as well, and I’m able to create more space between me and defenders now.”
Leonard far surpassed the thousand yard mark this season, and finished with receiving totals closer to two thousand. With 1,523 yards, Leonard showed his dominance on the field this end and was awarded Bay League Co-Offensive player of the year.
“I was able to hit 1,500 because I set the goal of passing a thousand earlier on in the year,” Leonard said. “It really helped me push through the lows we had this season and continue going.”
Last Monday, Leonard announced his commitment to play Division one college football at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. According to Leonard, he looks forward to new opportunities on the football field in college.
“I felt really loved by the program and that [SLO] really wanted what was best for me.” Leonard said. “I’m excited to learn a whole new side of football and be able to earn under their coaching staff.”
O’Connor has been a member of the varsity team for three years. According to O’Connor, he was not expecting to reach 1,000 receiving yards in his high school career, and only learned that he approached the milestone shortly before the team’s last game this year.
“I never had even thought of the idea of hitting a thousand,” O’Connor said. “In the last couple games, I knew I needed over 150 yards to hit the number. I was still shocked even after I had learned that I had hit it.”
Reaching 1,000 receiving yards is seen as a prestigious achievement among high school receivers around the country. After completing the achievement, O’Connor reflects on his performance as an accomplishment to be extremely proud of.
“Playing sports at Costa comes as a challenge to anybody.” O’Connor said. “It’s hard to balance schoolwork and sports, so to be able to accomplish and share an achievement like this with Reese is an honor.”
Leonard and O’Connor hope to continue to share a close bond off of the field. According to O’Connor, the two hope to cherish the memories they have had during their historic high school football careers in the future.
“Reese has been one of my closest friends for years,” O’Connor said. “To have brought the connection we have outside of sports to the team this year and the way that we supported each other has been truly special. He will have a part in my life forever.”
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