When you accomplish the individual goals you've set for yourself, you can look back with satisfaction.
Even though he would have liked the Viking football team to have racked up more “W's”, that's exactly the position where diminutive 5'6” wide receiver Aaron Woods found himself after his second year with the program.
The 22-year-old junior, who will complete his course work for a degree in communications next winter term, finished the 2009 football season with more than 1,000 receiving yards and as the league leader in kick-off returns.
His efforts earned him a second team special teams all-Big Sky Conference accolade and an honorable mention as a receiver.
“From a personal standpoint, I'd have to say the year went pretty well. I accomplished the goals I set for myself,” he said with a smile of satisfaction.
And his personal successes didn't go unnoticed by wide receivers coach Kevin Strasser.
“Aaron had a great year. He was our most productive wide receiver. I mean 1,000 yards and honorable mention BSC and second team special teams for his kick-off returns. He did it all for us,” said Strasser.
Wood's knowledge and execution increased as the year progressed, added Strasser. “His knowledge of the offense got better each game. He's a player who just keeps getting better,” he said.
Interestingly, it was seeing a more team-oriented goal fall into place that pleased Woods as much or more than his personal achievements.
“My biggest goal was team chemistry with the quarterbacks and my teammates. My first year here, there were so many new players that we didn't play well together. This year, I wanted to help get the quarterbacks and teammates into a good relationship with each other so we could be a better team in general,” said the transfer from Santa Rosa Junior College in California. Woods, who prepped at Sunset High School in Portland, got scholarship funding for his educational activities this year from the Bill Swindells scholarship.
Team chemistry developed through practice, conditioning and during games...“it's a personal chemistry thing. We learn to trust each other.”
As with several other players, a home victory over Eastern Washington figured into the year's highlights for Woods.
“I think the highlight for me this year was a team members-only meeting we held before the Eastern Washington game. After talking things over as a unit, we went out and beat them. That's an example of developing team chemistry,” he said.
And speaking of highlights, in the classroom this year Woods really enjoyed a sociology class because it gave him insights into the area where he hopes to work after finishing his degree and whatever football opportunities might come his way following his Viking years.
“My mom always made sure I had what I needed. It was difficult when I was younger and I always appreciated what the adults did for me. I've appreciated the adult examples in my life. I want to be that person for someone else,” said Woods.
This summer, Woods hopes to find a job and make a little money while continuing to work out. He wants to become faster and stronger.
“Aaron is a player who just keeps getting better. He takes physical training to heart and studies a lot of film. He's a student of the game. Spring has been invaluable to him. He got better this spring, that's for sure,” said Strasser.
All this, of course, is being done with an eye to accomplishing next year's goals, which are already set. “Next year, I want to get 1,000 yards receiving again and to lead the conference in all-purpose yards (and one more thing)...and to be the Big Sky champs.”
Editor's Note: This article is one in a series about Portland State Athletes who have received Endowed Scholarships this past year. Woods is a recipient of the Bill Swindells scholarship.
