Diego Oquendo: One of the good guys

Diego Oquendo walked out of Michigan State's locker room and figured his football career was over. 

Featured mainly as a special teams player, Oquendo spent more time in the training room with injuries than on the field running plays.

After three knee surgeries, Oquendo had to go through 18 months of rehabilitation before his knee was healed, and would have graduated before he could step back onto the field for Michigan State.  That prompted the football program to inform him that they would pay for him to finish his education, but he wouldn't be playing football anymore.

"It was tough," Oquendo said, "but I'm so thankful Michigan State let me finish my education, that was extremely important when the medical issues wouldn't allow me to play.

After graduating with a degree in sociology, Oquendo headed back to Staten Island, NY and began searching for a job.  That's when he discovered his calling.

"I got into volunteering because finding a job was so tough," Oquendo said.  "I started volunteering, and really found out that I love hanging with kids."

In addition to Northwest Initiative, Oquendo volunteered with Street Outreach, Kid Campus,and Group Care and Highfields, Inc., a juvenile detention center.  After a while at the center, he was hired as a residential counselor.

While working, Oquendo established a long-term goal of opening his own juvenile detention center, or a "juvenile rehab center."

"I want to open a place where I can give kids the nurturing they need, as well as the education," Oquendo said.  "I grew up in New York, and really didn't know anything but New York.  I want kids to know that there is a lot more out there than just the world they are growing up in."

The passion Oquendo has for other people came from his mother.

"I was a city boy and people looked out for me," Oquendo said.  "Growing up, I was always steered in the right direction, mostly by my mom. I want to return the favor and help other people."

His mother would work late hours, but always told her boys (Oquendo has a twin brother, Keith), "if you are going to work, you better give it your all."

After a couple years of working with children, current offensive coach John Van Dam, who played quarterback at Michigan State and was a teammate of Oquendo, resurrected his football career.

"He and I stayed in touch after playing together," Van Dam said, "and he actually sent me an email about how he had some eligibility left and was interested in seeing if he could still play."

Within a few days, Van Dam passed the word on to former head coach Brad Salem, who called Oquendo up and said he was interested.

After receiving a transfer release from Michigan State, he came to Augustana and joined the team in 2009, one day into training camp.

"Last year was a lot of getting back into shape for him," Van Dam said, "so he didn't play much, but he is a great person to have on the team."

When he got to Sioux Falls, he continued to volunteer, working with Volunteers of America, the Bowden Youth Center, and the Banquet.  At the Banquet, he serves as the Outreach Street Coordinator.

"With the Banquet, it's mostly getting to know the kids," Oquendo said.  "I want to let them know what's out there for them, that they have opportunities and people are there for them."

Offensive line coach Joe Evenson knew about Oquendo's community service work, and figured he'd be a good candidate for the AllState/AFCA Good Works Team.

"Evenson asked me to give him a list of everything I've done, and I didn't think it would turn into anything," Oquendo said.  "Later he said I was one of 112 finalists, which I thought was cool."

Oquendo then figured the process was finished, but soon Evenson informed him he was one of 22 nationwide players selected for the team.

"I didn't realize what a big deal it was," Oquendo said, "but it means a lot.  I'm definitely happy to be recognized by my team."

Most teammates have recognized that Oquendo, with his childhood background and work in the community, would be a great mentor and role model.

"I think people really look at him with respect," Van Dam said.  "He's much more mature than some players we have, and he helps them understand that there is more than just football.  He brings a different aspect to the team, the idea of hard work and not taking anything for granted.  He's a great role model for our younger players."

Oquendo also runs track, and broke the school records for the 60 meter hurdles (8.11 seconds) and the 60 meter dash (6.82 seconds), as well as helping the team to a third place finish at the indoor championships.

"I've been here almost 11 years," track head coach Tracy Hellman said, "and I don't know that we've ever had a more positive person on the team than Diego.

"He is such a great teammate and leader.  Everyone looks up to him."

After receiving his masters in education, Oquendo will leave Augustana and hope for a dream come true; that he can make a difference in his community just as others did for him.