“You’ve gotta want it. There are other people who want it, but you have to want it more.”
For as long as he can remember, Rocky Apolinar has loved the game of football.
“I started playing [football] when I was 11. We used to practice at Kennedy field. We started off doing tackling drills. I was scared. We finally got to hitting, and I started liking it,” said Apolinar. “They put me at running back one time, and I took off for like an 88-yard touchdown. Ever since, I’ve played running back and linebacker. I’ve always loved it.”
Apolinar's love for the game helped place his name on an elite list. He is one of 116 high school football players chosen for the 2025 San Antonio Sports All-Star Game. Only high school seniors are eligible for the roster, and he is the only player from Edgewood ISD to receive the nod this year.
“I’ve always wanted [to be an All-Star],” said Apolinar. “My freshman year, Max Sandoval made the All-Star team. I was like, ‘That’s what I want to do!’ I looked up to him.”
Apolinar’s road to the All-Star Game began four years ago. During his freshman year, injuries plagued the Rockets in a playoff game, so he saw playing time during that game. He was named ‘Newcomer of the Year’ his sophomore year and earned All-District honors in both his junior and senior years.
“Rocky has worked tremendously hard; he’s done everything right,” said Rockets Head Coach Matt Hove. “He’s a straight-A student, and this is the highest accolade a high school football player can get.”
Just like the seniors who inspired Apolinar, Coach Hove hopes that younger athletes will find inspiration in seeing him suit up for the All-Star Game this weekend.
“It shows the younger kids that if they have a solid work ethic and are committed to the program, they can be recognized for their achievements,” said Coach Hove. “He is the model that we would expect to have in our student-athletes. If I had 11 Rockys on the team, we probably wouldn’t have lost a game. If we can build the kids up to be like Rocky, we’ll be in a good position here in the district.”
Apolinar credits his dad as a motivating driver behind his success, quite literally.
“My dad is my biggest supporter,” said Apolinar. “He takes me to every game, shows up to every game, even when it's far. He’s always there.”
In just a few days, his dad and thousands more will be at the Alamodome, cheering for Apolinar and other athletes as they take to the football field as high school students for the last time.
“Being on this roster makes me feel good,” said Apolinar with a smile. “It’s proof that showing up every day, being committed, and working hard can pay off.”
Apolinar is hopeful this won’t be the last time he’ll suit up in a football uniform. His goal is to play in college, and he is entertaining several offers.
Before he decides what’s next, he’ll represent the Rockets one final time in the San Antonio Sports All-Star Game this Saturday, January 11, at the Alamodome. Click HERE to get tickets.