Tinian’s King Jr. earns starting spot on collegiate squad

Juan King Jr. walks off the field during one of the Culver-Stockton College Wildcats’ practice sessions at the Poulton Stadium/NX Level Field. (Contributed Photo)

Juan King Jr., who traces his roots to Tinian, is trying to make a name in collegiate football while playing for the Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri.

He is currently on his freshman year, taking up physical therapy at CSC after getting athletic and academic scholarships. Juan Jr., the youngest son of Juan Sr. of Tinian and Elizabeth Reyes of Guam, was born and raised in the Marianas’ southernmost island and was recruited out of Guam High School. He wants to become a physical therapist, but also dreamed of playing top level football.

King’s school is a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference since 1980 and is also affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. He earned a starting spot for the Wildcats and scored two touchdowns, with one of them televised on ESPN3. He led his team in receptions in two of their last three games, but the Wildcats remain winless after six games.

Juan Sr., in an email to Saipan Tribune, said that his son’s interest in football began at an early age, as he noticed Juan Jr.’s impressive skills when he was still four years old.

“He wanted to be a football player. He usually puts on his older brother’s football jersey and sat on the road in front of our house in Mangilao. He loves football and always dreamed of playing at a high level,” said the older King.

Juan Sr. influenced his kids to get into sports, as he used to bring Juan Jr. and Jujuan to different basketball games where the former was either playing or officiating. Juan Sr. also brought his sons to other sporting events while they were growing up in Guam.

As they get older, they would be seen shooting hoops or throwing a football on the basketball court. Everyone who saw them said they are natural born athletes,” Juan Sr. said.

He added that Juan Jr. was also an excellent basketball player and is likewise into golf, baseball, and surfing. Juan Jr. has been religiously following the National Football League, especially its top running backs and slot receivers where he also patterns his football work ethic. His discipline in and out of the field helps him with his preparation for every match.

Juan Jr. said that talent alone will not get you into college to play sports.

“Live your dream, with incremental steps. Ask God to help you reach your dream and He will help you. [Also] take care of your academics. [Studies] is the first thing college coaches ask you—your grade point average and SAT scores, and nothing about sports,” added Juan Jr.

He believes that aside from having self-discipline, parental support, and guidance are important in the success of a student-athlete.

“Without parental support and guidance, most kids don’t know how to get there or know the steps to get into college. Don’t mess around with drugs or get into a bad situation. Stay on course, your prayers will be answered.”

Juan Sr. said that Juan Jr. and Jujuan have the entire family’s support in everything they wanted to become.

“We just hate it when they get injured, but they are special kids. We believed that God gave them that special talent. You have to see Juan Jr. play football to appreciate what he brings into the games. His coaches, from youth to high school, will testify how great his football and basketball skills are,” Juan Sr. added.