He's helping to create a strong football tradition for Cathedral Catholic in just its fourth year of existence.

By Harold Abend, Special to CalHiSports.com

Note: Remember, we are looking for those student-athletes who had a standout performance in their sport from the previous week, but we also are looking for a balance between athletic achievement, academic work in the classroom, community service or overcoming adversity. Send nominations to mark@studentsports.com.

When Cathedral Catholic moved to its new location in the Carmel Valley area of North San Diego in 2005, after decades as University ("Uni) High adjacent to University of San Diego, Tyler Gaffney was in that first class of incoming freshmen.

	Tyler Gaffney

It wouldn't have made any difference where he lives, which happens to be Mira Mesa, or whether the school was at the old or new location, Gaffney was destined for the Dons' gridiron.

"There was never any doubt that Tyler would come here, Dons' head coach Sean Doyle, an alumnus of University, told CalHiSports.com. "His dad went to Uni and graduated around the same time as me.

What Gaffney has done is follow in the footsteps of some very successful recent 1,000 yard rushers who could light up the scoreboard in a hurry.

Not only was he a contributor as a sophomore (backing up Demetrius Sumler, who left Cathedral as the San Diego Section's all-time leading rusher) but last year as a junior he rushed for 1,552 yards and 24 touchdowns in leading the Dons to a 10-2 record and the San Diego Section Div. III championship.

"As a player, he's unbelievable, Doyle said. "We've had some good running backs.  There was Justin Green who went to Montana and then the NFL, and then Demetrius Sumler who's at Colorado, but Tyler is the best we've ever had. He's fast and powerful both of those guys wrapped into one.

With 4.48 speed in the 40 on a 6-foot-1, 215-pound frame, and a 3.4 GPA to boot, it's no wonder schools like USC, Notre Dame, Stanford and UCLA amongst many others would like to have him in the fold next fall.

In its evaluation of Tyler, ESPN College Football Recruiting states, "Gaffney is a load of a back at the high school level with a good blend of size, speed and determination. He is tall, thickly-built but does a job of running with proper shoulder lean and body-tilt. Shows deceptive lateral quickness and burst bouncing it outside and turning the corner but most production stems off tough, explosive, between the tackles runs. Hits the hole with good urgency and is quick to square up his shoulders out of his initial cut and head north south. Generates good speed and power quickly allowing him to run through arm tackles and bounce out of traffic; this kid finishes runs.  

Last week Gaffney did some bouncing out of traffic, and finished a lot of runs finding paydirt. He had his best performance of the season, as the Dons won a 58-32 slugfest over visiting Lincoln (San Diego) to improve to 6-0 and move up a spot to No. 7 in the CalHiSports CIF Div. II State Bowl South rankings.

Tyler accounted for six scores, rushing 29 times for 317 yards and four touchdowns, and catching four passes for 44 yards and two TDs.

On the season, Gaffney now has 1,091 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns. As a receiver, he has 14 catches for 195 yards and four scores. That's 24 combined touchdowns.

Not only is he a great football player but he also has leadership attributes on and off the field, and stars in more than one sport.

"Tyler is a great kid with exceptional work ethic who's very much respected at the school, Doyle remarked. "He's a real leader on and off the field. Plus he's a tremendous baseball player.

Last year on a talent-laden Dons baseball team that also won a San Diego Section title, Gaffney played right field and hit .531.

Where Tyler goes to college has a lot to do with who will allow him to play two sports. "My biggest decision about college is whether to try and play two sports, Gaffney told CalHiSports.com.

Tyler may be big and strong but to get the kind of numbers he's accumulated, including a 9.83 yard per carry average, takes blocking up front, and he's quick to acknowledge his line.

"The O-line tore it up, Gaffney told new CalHiSports.com correspondent Steve Brand after the Lincoln game, in an interview Brand did for the San Diego Union Tribune.

The Dons have some beef up front but no one creates a bigger hole than 6-foot-6, 320-pound senior Everett Benyard.

"My line? Tyler asked rhetorically. "They're great, have funny personalities and we love playing for each other. As for Everett, he's the leader and knows when to straighten them out when they need it, he said with a chuckle.     

Athletics and tradition are part of the Gaffney household. That's why Tyler is at Cathedral.

His previously mentioned father, Gene, the vice-president of an electronics sales company, was indeed a Don and the quarterback in his days at University before blowing out a knee that ended his football career.

Tyler's mother, Tiffani, was "a big-time athlete in high school in L.A., according to Tyler. "She played varsity softball and threw the discus, he said proudly.

Little brother, 13-year-old, 8th-grader Drew, plays football and baseball just like his big brother.

Tyler also anchors the school's TV show, and previously did debate and public speaking. "We film twice a week for the show and go on Friday morning. I don't do any sports because I'm involved in them. I just do regular school news, said Gaffney, who told CalHiSports.com he's interested in a career in broadcast communications and that's what he plans on studying in college.

The interview ended with Tyler thankful but humble in accepting the honor of State Athlete of the Week.

"It feels great to win but awards are not something I strive for, Gaffney said. "It does feel though good to know people like ESPN CalHiSports are recognizing my hard work.

And we feel good about honoring Tyler's work, not only on the gridiron, but in the classroom, the hallways, and school TV news set.