A FAMILY MAN AVC LINEBACKER COMMITTED ON AND OFF THE FIELD.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

Over the past year, Adam Fabela has gone from intimidated freshman to sophomore intimidator, from carefree youth to responsible dad.

The 20-year-old Fabela plays football for Antelope Valley College and is a family man at home with wife Patty and 4-month-old daughter Vanessa. He's taken tremendous pride in doing both and has learned a great deal about life in the process.

``Last year was like a blur. I wasn't ready mentally or physically,'' Fabela said. ``Now as a sophomore I understand what is in front of me. I know what it takes to work hard for something.''

A 1999 Littlerock High graduate, Fabela had a standout prep career, being named an all-CIF selection as a senior. At Littlerock, he teamed with his best friend and new brother-in-law Mike Arvizo to anchor the Lobos defense.

Fabela has been a mainstay on the Marauders defense, starting at inside linebacker since the third game of last season. This year, the 5-foot-9, 220-pounder has a team high 54 tackles, two sacks and has forced and recovered a fumble.

Family and football is Fabela's life. Family is something he'll always have, but his football playing days are numbered. Fabela will likely suit up in his Marauders' maroon and silver uniform for the last time on November 18th at San Bernardino Valley College.

``I'm a fulltime father, so I don't take football lightly. It's the way I spend my free time,'' Fabela said. ``After I'm done with college, coaching would be a great way to stay involved. I've been fortunate to be around two solid coaches with Jim Bauer at Littlerock and now Brent Carder at AVC. They've taught me a lot about the game and life in general.''

Carder, a veteran of 31 years, calls Fabela, ``The foundation of our defense'' and maintains that the sophomore leader is a person who takes care of business on and off the field.

``Adam makes a sincere effort to do his part and always gives his best effort, without question. One of his biggest strengths is he's always been reliable. We were hoping he'd make an impact and he has from day one. He epitomizes our program - dedicated, hard-worker, just a real winner.''

But, Fabela's loyalty extends to his family first.

He will be the first to admit that he wouldn't be able to accomplish the tasks in the classroom, majoring in education, or on the field if it weren't for his support system. His parents and in-laws, with whom he lives, have been the young family's strength.

``I'm really fortunate to have a family that's so giving, emotionally and financially,'' he said. ``We're very close and spiritual. Not too many people are able to understand my situation, being married with a beautiful daughter, but I feel lucky. Sometimes I sit back and think, wow.''

Deservedly so.

Here is a look at the day in the life of a full-time dad, student and athlete:

--5 a.m.: Wake up and feed Vanessa her morning bottle and on occasion, sneak in a little nap.

--8 a.m.: Give Vanessa a kiss goodbye and take wife Patty to work at beauty school in Lancaster.

--8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Grandparents and uncle Mike watch Vanessa.

--9 a.m.: Hustle over to campus to attend first class of the day, Theatre 101 - the fundamentals of acting.

--Noon: Pick-up a bite to eat for lunch and sneak in some studying between classes.

--2 p.m.: Football meetings begin with coaching staff.

--3 p.m.: Weight training, offense against defense scrimmages, followed by rigorous conditioning drills - on which Carder coached teams have always prided themselves.

--5 p.m.: Pickup Patty from school and head home.

--6 p.m.: Patty prepares dinner while Fabela spends valuable quality time with Vanessa.

--7:15 p.m.: The baby is fed dinner as the family shares in a conversation about the days events.

--7:30 p.m.: The baby gets her bath.

--8:30 p.m.: Vanessa is read a story by dad as she falls asleep.

--9:00 p.m.: Time to unwind with dessert and some late night television.

--10:00 p.m.: Lights out. Tomorrow brings plenty of new challenges.

``Adam is an amazing father and I've always wanted him to pursue his dreams of playing football,'' Fabela's mother-in-law, Judy said. ``There has been plenty of special moments when I watch in awe and think; how precious it is to just see the way he interacts and cares for Vanessa. Even after a long day of getting battered and bruised on the football field, he rushes home to play and feed her. It's been a blessing for me to witness times like that.

``We all make sacrifices for Vanessa, but to be honest, we couldn't imagine life without her,'' she added.

Fabela was presented with the question earlier in the season, How do you think AVC's chances are of playing in a bowl game for the first time in three years?

He responded like a father would, rather than an athlete looking towards the post season.

``In order to achieve something you need to have a goal,'' he said. ``Believe it to achieve it. You need to have it (a goal) in your heart, your mind and your body.''

Vanessa is one lucky little girl.

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Photo:

(color) Twenty-year-old Adam Fabela is a standout linebacker at Antelope Valley College and a dedicated family man at home with his wife Patty and their beautiful 4-month-old daughter Vanessa.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer