Winner of multiple defensive player awards and honors, sophomore linebacker Kristopher Bass has made a name for himself at El Camino College.

Bass has raised the bar for himself this year by having his best statistical season to date. He finished his season second in tackles, not only in the conference, but the entire state. As well as finishing fifth in the state and second in the conference for solo tackles.

Despite the EC football team’s struggles this year, Bass has been quietly causing nightmares for opposing offenses and has helped turn the defense around.

“I’m very proud of our team this year,” Bass said. “Compared to last year’s team, this is the best team I’ve ever been on.”

But just who is the man behind the mask? Underneath is a hardworking player who’s demeanor is anything but the menace he appears to be on the field.

Underneath is a player who is striving to continue his academic career and owes it all to his experience at EC.

“I would rate it very good,” Bass said on his time at EC. “It was very different from high school but I felt like it was a good transition to prepare for a university and I liked it a lot.”

Bass played football for San Pedro High School where he quickly rose above the ranks. Making the varsity squad in his sophomore season.

From there he would go on to become one of the greatest defensive players SPHS has ever seen. Ultimately graduating in the spring of 2011.

Bass would miss the latter half of his senior year and some of this first year at EC due to a severe leg injury but was determined to come back as strong as ever.

“I had a good high school experience playing varsity for three years,” Bass said.

Due to some issues regarding academic standing and units required, Bass decided his best course of action would be to attend EC and looks back on it as a great decision. The experience gained by playing under coach John Featherstone helped improve both his performance and attitude toward the game.

“It’s helped me a lot,” Bass said. “He [Featherstone] has helped me understand the game more and love the game instead of just playing for a scholarship. We play for a family and for each other.”

Other major influences in Bass’ life include his father and older brother who inspire him to continue working hard in any aspect of life.

“My dad and my brother both played and neither one finished due to personal reasons,” Bass said. “I’ve always wanted to finish my football career.”

Despite the amazing statistics Bass has put up this year, he is still waiting to hear back from interested universities. Bass is not sure where he will end up next fall but is certain that everything will work itself out as long as he remains patient.

“I’m hoping to get a Division-1 scholarship to play football,” Bass said. “If my football career doesn’t work out then I really want to coach and help give back to the community.”

As for his time at EC, Bass will always remember the people he has met and the memories he has created as a Warrior.

“The family we’ve created on the football team is the closest I’ve ever had,” Bass said. “We’ve only been together two years but I feel like I’ve known them my whole life.”