The Queen Creek High School football program lost one of their own far too early with the sudden passing of junior offensive lineman Hunter Vindiola. The 16 year-old was involved in an off-roading accident in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona near the town of Eagar last Friday.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Vindiola family as they deal with the passing of their beloved son and our Bulldog football play, Hunter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ZzO7hdmnK7
— QCHSAthletics (@QCHS_Athletics) July 4, 2020
“We are saddened by the loss of Hunter Vindiola,” Queen Creek head coach Joe Germaine said to Sports360AZ.com. “We will always remember his infectious smile, his zest for life and the deep friendships he had for so many. He impacted our program at all levels, as well as players in other programs. We love you, Hunter!”
Travis Schureman was Vindiola’s offensive line coach last season at QC.
“Hunter was a great football player but an even better person,” Schureman said. “One of the many things that I respected from about Hunter was…he lived the golden rule. He treated everyone as an equal and loved and cared for so many. I got to see it first hand as he treated my son and his teammates on the freshman team last year with such respect and class. We are going to miss him! He was a bright light in this world!”
This season is dedicated to you❤️ https://t.co/R8AoP0mvGW pic.twitter.com/rYL6F9NJ46
— Isaia Glass ??? (@IsaiaGlass) July 4, 2020
“Vindi was a great kid,” senior teammate and fellow offensive lineman Isaia Glass said. “I saw him as my younger brother. My man may have been the most confident goof ever! He was a beast on the offensive line and had so much potential at such a young age. Vindi will always be remembered and loved. RIP Chin.”
Our hearts go out to the Vindiola family. Hunter you will be missed. We also send our love to all of the Queen Creek Football families and community.#RIPDAWG72
— Queen Creek Football (@QC_football) July 4, 2020
“He was a great kid who really loved playing the game of football,” Queen Creek two-way senior star Trey Reynolds explained. “Even when we were running he always had a smile on his face. We will always remember his great attitude and his true love for the game.”
Vindiola’s passing was also felt at several other schools throughout the Valley, as well as people closely associated with Queen Creek football family.
Our condolences to the entire queen creek football community. Incredibly sad to hear of a young man gone too soon.
— Jake Barro (@CoachBarro) July 4, 2020
“Football is like a fraternity,” Casa Grande head coach Jake Barro said. “When tragedy strikes one of us, we all come together to support one another. I cannot imagine the pain being felt by the Vindiola family and the QC community during this time…especially at this time, it is important that we be there for each other. Hunter Vindiola and Queen Creek football will be represented in our thoughts, prayers and actions for a long time.”
Thoughts and prayers go out the Vindiola family, Coach Germaine and Queen Creek Football. ?
— Coach G (@GarretsonRick) July 4, 2020
“The Vindiola family and the Queen Creek football community are in our prayers in this most difficult time,” Chandler head coach Rick Garretson said.
— Andrew Luberda (@Andrew_Luberda) July 4, 2020
“On the field Hunter was a certain Division I prospect and starter for one of the best 6A programs in Arizona,” ArizonaVarsity.com writer and long-time Queen Creek insider Andrew Luberda said. “Off the field he was a scholar, a great friend to many, a mentor to younger aspiring future Bulldogs. He was beloved by his family, teammates, friends and coaches. There is no doubt in my mind the Queen Creek community will embrace and support, as they have done several times before, the Vindiola family during this very difficult time.”
Our deepest condolences go out to the Vindiola family and @QC_football ?
— Saguaro Football (@saguarofootball) July 4, 2020
“The Saguaro football program sends our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Vindiola family, the QC football program and the entire QCHS community,” Saguaro head coach Jason Mohns said. “Rest in peace, Hunter.”
#HustleForHunter pic.twitter.com/rBHEKNLJIO
— Andy Silvas Photo (@PhotoSilvas) July 6, 2020
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Eric Sorenson
A Valley native, Eric has had a passion for the Arizona sports scene since an early age. He has covered some of the biggest events including Super Bowls, national championships and the NBA and MLB playoffs in his near 20 years in local media.