Tony Gomez: Cornell College’s combination running back-punter who’s majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology

MOUNT VERNON — Rusher. Punter. Scholar. Leader. A pretty good fisherman.

Cornell’s Tony Gomez is a multitalented student athlete. The type of well-rounded person that Rams football coach Dan Pifer wants in every position.

“If you can pick the ideal player for your team, he’s the guy,” said Pifer, who is in his fifth season as Rams head coach. “You want 11 of those guys on offense and defense doing their jobs. He does everything right on and off the field. He’s a good kid. He gets great grades. He’s exactly what you want.”

Gomez was named first-team all-Midwest Conference as a punter and earned second-team honors as running back for Cornell, which finished 6-4 in 2023 for its first winning season since 2014. He is one of 20 starters back on a roster that has exploded to 102 players.

Gomez embraces his role as a captain.

“I want to be a leader,” said Gomez, who is from Chandler, Ariz. “I want to be an example for them to follow. Just show them how we do things on and off the field.”

The 5-foot-10, 205-pound senior contributes on offense and special teams. He was a two-year starter in the backfield and is the top returning ball carrier, amassing 797 yards and 12 touchdowns on 196 carries. He added 11 receptions for 99 yards.

“He’s got a big role,” Pifer said. “He’s kind of the voice for the team when things are going good or bad. He leads the team when it comes to all that stuff. He’s an older kid who has played a lot of football.

“He does such a good job of making everybody right. He can help the O-line when it comes to pass protection if they get confused in the middle of a game. He’s a really smart kid.

“He’s just a well-rounded kid on and off the field. He’s been a pleasure to have in our program. We’re going to lean on him again this year.”

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As a punter, he averaged 36.6 yards over 49 attempts. Gomez is sixth all-time in punt yardage for the Rams. His versatility and team-first approach has made an impression on his teammates.

“He does a lot of things,” Pifer said. “He gains players’ respect from that the standpoint of all the things he brings to the table.”

The physical skills exist but consistency is the biggest trait Gomez has developed during his Cornell career.

“Being able to do everything that coach asks you to do and developing my game to support what coaches have for the offense,” Gomez said. “The most important thing to getting and staying on the field is being consistent. Do everything right and don’t give them a reason to take you off the field.

“If I stay consistent in everything I do, the other guys will follow behind me and be consistent in every aspect of what they do. That’s how we grow up together as a team.”

Excelling in the classroom

Gomez balances the athletic and academic demands while participating in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has excelled in the classroom, owning a high grade-point average as a biochemistry and molecular biology major. He said he has plans to become a physician’s assistant and high school football coach, continuing his passion to help and guide others.

His parents, Tony and Diana, have been a huge influence. They instilled intangibles like teamwork, accountability and discipline that have made him a success in sports, school and the community.

“One thing my dad and I always talked about is you have to be disciplined on the football field and off with everything you do in life,” Gomez said. “If you’re not disciplined and you don’t hold yourself accountable no one else is there to … First, you have to look at yourself and do it yourself. You can’t go out and hold someone else accountable if you’re not doing things right yourself.

“My dad really instilled with me the discipline aspect. Do things right always. No matter if you’re on the field, off the field or in the classroom.”

Finding relaxation in fishing

As intense and exciting as football and science can be, Gomez finds respite and relaxation in fishing. He loved fishing back in Arizona and asked Pifer about fishing prospects during his official visit.

“That’s what I pretty much do all my free time on,” Gomez said. “I love fishing.”

Gomez has fished for different kinds, including northern, catfish and bass. He said his biggest catches have been a 20-pound flathead and a 42-pound carp. Gomez would go almost every weekend with teammate Shawn Laikupu.

Gomez tried to create a fishing club at Cornell but was unsuccessful when he presented the idea to the Student Senate. It didn’t keep him from sharing his hobby, especially with Rams football players.

“I do it by just bringing guys out from the team,” Gomez said. “It’s almost an escape the way I treat it. I love fishing. It’s peaceful. I really don’t have patience for anything else. For some reason, I have patience when I’m fishing. It’s a sport I love to do and I love sharing it with people as well.”

His head coach has become one of his fishing buddies. They have gone about 10 times, according to Pifer. They have bonded on their trips, competing in tournaments at Lake MacBride and even surviving severe weather one trip last summer.

“He’s a joy to have because he can back down a trailer,” Pifer said with a laugh. “Every fisherman wants somebody that can back down a trailer so you can run the boat up on there. He can do that, so it’s awesome.”

Gomez is nominated for the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame William V. Campbell Trophy, awarded to a player who exhibits excellence in athletics, academics and citizenship. He said he was humbled to be nominated and hopes his actions represent the example of his parents.

“They’ve been role models for me,” Gomez said. “I want to reflect what they set for me, especially with my faith, in my own life. I’m more focused on what my calling is and how it aligns with what that award means — being well-rounded in life.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com