Mitchell Kinyon looks at a future with the California Highway Patrol

West Valley senior Michell Kinyon of Cottonwood began playing football for the West Valley Junior Eagles in the Junior Pee Wee Division, after watching his dad and brother play while he was growing up. Mitchell has learned to play approximately five or six field positions over the years. He is now specializing in the positions of middle linebacker and full back. He is able to play other positions for the Eagles if there are no other options.

During Mitchell's junior varsity season the team won the league championships. In his junior year the Eagles went 4-6 on the season and missed the playoffs.

Mitchell enjoys spending time in the weight room lifting, learning plays and preparing for the next game. In August, Mitchell went out and helped Coach Grandell and other players put on the Junior Eagles camp for young football players at West Valley. This was his second year helping out at the football camp for local youth.

"It makes you feel good to help out teaching the basics of football to the younger kids," said Mitchell. "When the kids finally master a skill, you feel a sense of accomplishment and that you were able to help them learn something important."

Mitchell's favorite teacher at West Valley is Coach Greg Grandell.

"Coach Grandell has been really supportive, helping all of us to make it through each football season," said Mitchell.

After graduating from high school, Mitchell plans to attend Shasta College and major in administration of justice, and then hopefully transferring to UC Davis. From there, he would like to become an officer for the California Highway Patrol. Mitchell has not yet decided whether or not he will play football in college and wants to take life as it comes.

A few of Mitchell's favorite things that have helped him over the years are attending football camps, which help to mold the team into a large family, and to learn tons of stuff about the game of football. He also like the tradition surrounding Jessie Brown's memorial rock as the team comes into the stadium for home games.

"Jessie's Rock is part of a West Valley tradition. It shows respect for a fellow football player, and gives us something to play hard for," said Kinyon.

At each game, Mitchell's parents are there to support him from the stands and have been there to support him through his whole football career. Mitchell's dad Scott has been his inspiration on and off the field.

"My dad has always been there for me, and has coached me through most of my time playing Pop Warner football," said Mitchell.

In his spare time, Mitchell enjoys hanging out with friends, going snow boarding and spending time at the lake.

Mitchell is the son of Scott Kinyon and Rhonda Granger of Cottonwood. He also has one older brother.