Football and Family

By Carissa Krautscheid

George Rushing II became the Executive Director of Pio Decimo Center in May 2021. For 75 years, the organization has served children, families, and elders through many of life’s challenges. Pio Decimo is an agency within Catholic Community Services (CCS). George cherishes Pio’s “rich history of serving children and families, which happens to be life’s focus. I have had an amazing time working at CCS.”

When George is not managing the operations of Pio Decimo, he is volunteering with Salpointe Catholic High School’s prestigious football program as the Director of Football Operations. In this position, George oversees the team’s day-to-day logistics, community relations, and administrative responsibilities.

Two of George’s sons currently attend Salpointe Catholic and are garnering widespread attention for their athletic prowess on the Lancer football team.

Cruz Rushing is a senior and has committed to play football next year at the University of Oregon. “I am super excited about playing for Oregon,” he said. “The coaching staff is really impressive and I love the plan they have for me to play in their system.”

His brother, Elijah Rushing, is a sophomore and has already caught the attention of scouts across the country. He has ten scholarship offers so far and is ranked as the number one edge rusher in the nation for the class of 2024. “It’s exciting to have the offers,” said Elijah, “but I try to keep things in perspective that it only means I have to work even harder.”

     

For both Cruz and Elijah, a proud moment was making it to the State Title game in 2021, even when the odds were stacked against them. The brothers are motivated by their parents and entire family. “I want to make them proud,” said Cruz.

“My dad challenges me to constantly be the best version of myself,” shared Elijah. “Sports provide me with the opportunity to test whether I am.”

Both Elijah and Cruz recognize the invaluable life lessons that sports have provided them. Cruz learned “to never give up and to fight through pain and disappointment.” Elijah learned “to lead by example and to be accountable.”



Their father played football at the University of Florida in the 1990s and has coached both high school and little league football in the Tucson community. “Football teaches young athletes how to work as a cohesive unit, an orchestra that has many parts working towards a singular goal,” said George. “Sports teach young athletes to understand that they have an important role in the community, and it takes teamwork to make the community a place where everyone can thrive.”

Salpointe is the largest Catholic high school in the Diocese of Tucson. “I love the environment here,” said Cruz. “It’s a family atmosphere but it is extremely competitive. I love to compete, so sports provide me the opportunity to push myself constantly to be better.”

Elijah also enjoys his experience at Salpointe. “I love my teachers,” he said. “They are really down to earth and make a challenging environment seem natural.”

The goal of providing holistic education at Catholic schools forms well-rounded and compassionate student-athletes. Athletics are an opportunity for students to be challenged beyond complacency and encouraged to thrive as a member of a team.

George shared a favorite quote from Coach John Wooden: “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” George elaborates, “Sports promote integrity, responsibility, selflessness, respect, fairness, and trustworthiness; all of which speak to the character of a person.”

These life lessons will stay with Cruz, Elijah, and countless other student-athletes throughout their lives. The Rushing family is united by a legacy and love of football, and a commitment to one another.


Photos provided by George Rushing