West Covina’s Solomon Lands at APU

Chris Solomon, shown here at Mt. SAC, will play for Azusa Pacific this fall.

Chris Solomon, shown here at Mt. SAC, will play for Azusa Pacific this fall.

By Tim Peterson

(Glendora) – Chris Solomon, who helped West Covina to back to back CIF titles five years ago, has landed at Azusa Pacific for the 2016 season.

There is a difference now though. Solomon has switched positions. He rushed for 1790 yards and 20 touchdowns on West Covina’s title winning team in 2011. In 2012, as the Bulldogs won another crown culminating in an 84-21 rout of La Serna, Solomon racked up another 20 TDs and 1500 plus yards.

Solomon went to Nevada as a running back after graduation from West Covina and after red shirting his first year, started four games the next season. He then bounced back to Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut where he decided on a change. He switched to defensive back, playing safety and nickel backer while helping Mt. SAC to a State title in 2014.

“I switched positions because I felt like it was the right choice for me to see a further future in football. Plus I already experienced running back at the highest level and wanted to see if I was capable of getting to a high level at DB,” Solomon explained. “I feel I’m capable of accomplishing anything as long as I work hard and set my mind to it.”

Solomon took a year off but is now ready to go at APU where he will continue his football career.

“After Mt. SAC I took a year off to get a job and take care of my family. Now things are back on track and I decided to look for a school that will give me a chance to play the sport I always loved,” Solomon said. “APU was that school, even after sitting out that one year. I am very fortunate and blessed. God is good and he will always bless the people that believe in him.”

Solomon still has a couple more years to show what he can do.

“I have two years left of eligibility and I will go to school and play those two years at APU while getting my faith closer to God,” he said.

Solomon just found out last week that he would be able to join the team and knows that he has a lot of work in front of him. The Cougars opened camp last week and kickoff the season September 1 at home against West Texas A&M.

“I’m fresh meat. I’m learning a brand new system in a short period of time. It was a long process but God is good and he helped me get through everything,” Solomon said.

Solomon will join other local high school stars on the Cougars roster such as Andrew Elffers, Kurt Scoby and Chad Jeffries.

“Yes I already met Andrew and Kurt. We have a lot of talent. I also met the head coach (Victor Santa Cruz) and he’s a great guy,” Solomon said.

So now the player who once ran over and by defenders will now be trying to stop them. In his mind he has found the perfect place to continue the journey.
“APU is a great school and I’m really excited to be here and to be part of a great football program,” Solomon added.

Leave a Reply