MARYSVILLE, Wash. -- Marine Corps Recruiting Station Seattle is excited to announce the selection of Semper Fidelis All-American Austin Joyner, a cornerback for Marysville-Pilchuck High School’s football team, the Tomahawks.
Surrounded by his peers and family during a homecoming assembly at Marysville-Pilchuck High School Oct. 17, 2014, the 17-year-old Marysville native was presented his 2015 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl jersey by Capt. William Nelson, the executive officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Seattle, and Sgt. Jeff Otterson, a recruiter from the nearby Marine recruiting office in Marysville.
The Semper Fidelis Football Program demonstrates the Marine Corps’ commitment to developing quality citizens and reinforces its core values of honor, courage and commitment. To be named Semper Fidelis All-Americans, top-rated high school football players from across the nation are evaluated on their success both on and off the gridiron. In addition to their stats, players are chosen based on their character, academic performance and leadership.
The amiable 5’9”, 175-lb. Joyner is among approximately 100 student athletes from across the nation selected to participate in the game at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., Jan. 4, 2015. He joins Yakima’s West Valley High School football star Shane Lemieux as the only 2015 selectees from Washington State.
“We’re excited to give these players the spotlight,” said Lt. Col. Raphael Hernandez, assistant chief of staff for advertising, Marine Corps Recruiting Command. “In addition to being talented football players, these men are high academic performers and leaders in their communities. The type of individuals we want to recognize.”
Joyner, a 2012 and 2013 Seattle Times All-Area Star Times Football Team selectee, ran for 1,521 yards on only 100 carries during the 2013 season. He also competes in track and clinched the 2014 Washington State championship in long jump. Off the field, Joyner is on his school’s honor roll and stays active in the community by volunteering at a local church and youth football camp. Following his high school graduation, he’ll attend Washington State University.
While Joyner isn’t sure what to expect of the Semper Fidelis All-American bowl game, he said he is honored by the chance to play alongside athletes being recognized for their character and commitment both on and off the field.
“Being selected for the Semper Fi Bowl is an honor,” Joyner said. “Since this game is hosted by the Marines, it’s a chance to represent the United States. Not a lot of kids have the privilege of playing football like this.”
Joyner’s appreciation for the military is rooted in the service of his grandparents, Arnold Joyner Sr., Joseph Wilshire and Mary Sumbry. All three are Army veterans.
“Without our military and all the things they’ve done, I wouldn’t know the world I do, and I wouldn’t be able to freely play football. They’re the base of my whole life as an American and everything I know would be different without them.”
The fourth annual Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl will be nationally televised on Fox Sports 1. For more information about the program, visit www.SemperFidelisFootball.com or www.facebook.com/SemperFidelisFootball.
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