Pacific Index

Photo By Abby Handley

Pacific Seniors Reflect on Their Pacific Football Care

As their final college football game approaches, two Pacific University seniors reflect on their teammates, memories and lessons that have shaped their time here as Boxers. For Pacific University football seniors Nicholas Pogue and Jimmy Green, these final weeks of the 2026 season means more than the conclusion of another year on the field. It marks the closing chapter of their collegiate football careers, filled with memories, relationships and experiences that they will take with them as the chapter closes for them as college athletes.

Throughout their time at Pacific, both players have experienced the challenges and rewards of being a college athlete. From early morning workouts to long practices and Saturday games, their journeys have been shaped by a commitment to football and the teammates who have shared those experiences with them. As their final game approaches, Pogue and Green reflect on what being a Boxer has meant to them.

For senior offensive lineman Nicholas Pogue, his time at Pacific has included years of dedication at a position where teamwork and trust are essential for the team. Playing on the offensive line requires constant communication, physical toughness and the ability to work as a unit with teammates toward a common goal. While offensive linemen may not always receive the recognition of players who score touchdowns, their contributions are vital to the success of an offense and in Pogue’s case essential to the team as he has been asked to switch between offensive and defensive line on a situation to situation occasion.

Outside his responsibilities on the field, Pogue’s collegiate experience has also provided opportunities to build friendships and evolve as an individual. “My experience here at Pacific has been fantastic,” he says. “I have made lifelong friends and I had experiences that I will be forever grateful for. I have grown in so many different ways. I have learned time management and understanding relationships with my friends and family. I feel prepared going into the next phase of my life.”

For many graduating seniors, some of their favorite memories come from the relationships formed inside the locker room. Whether through the practices, road trips or time spent away from football, teammates often become an important part of the college experience.

“Nalu Akau had a massive impact on me early on in my career,” he explains. “He showed me what a leader should be. He mentored me on the offensive line to be a better player but also a better person. Just hanging out with him on Saturday nights with all the boys is one of my favorite memories. Xavier Walker also had an incredible impact on me. When I came over to defense, he took me under his wing and introduced me to the different calls and caught me up. My favorite memory is sitting at the table with the group of guys and laughing at everything people said.” As Pogue prepares to step onto the field for the final time, the lessons and friendships he has gained at Pacific will be part of what he carries into his next chapter.

On the defensive side of the football, senior defensive lineman Jimmy Green has turned into an important leader for the Boxers. Entering the 2026 season, head coach Ian Falconer highlighted Green’s leadership and the respect he commands from his teammates, describing him as “someone whose voice carries throughout the team.” Green’s role goes beyond his production on the field. His experience and leadership have helped give guidance to younger players as they adjust to the demands of college football. “Being a leader means a lot to me because it’s not about you anymore and being selfless. When things get hard you still gotta tell yourself it’s not about you it’s about the team.” Similar to Pogue, Green has shared countless hours with teammates working toward the same results. Those relationships can become just as meaningful as the competition itself.

“My closest teammates are Chop (Xavier Walker), Noah Narain, Zen Horace, Jaimen David, Nick Pogue, and Damien Lopez because they all made me laugh and pushed me when I needed it. Jaimen taught me about cars, Damien was always an open ear, Nick was always made sure to hold me accountable, Noah always got us to our dorm early cause he was the smartest out of all of us, chop always got funny stories to tell, and Zen always looking on the bright side of things.”

Although Pogue and Green have contributed on opposite sides of the football, their journeys share a common end, one final opportunity to represent everything they stand for on the football field. The scores, tackles, and blocks  will eventually become a memory, but the lessons learned through adversity, the friendships built over the years and the experience of competing together will extend far beyond football. As November 7 being Senior Night for football creeps closer and closer their final game will not simply mark the end of their college football careers. It will be a chance to appreciate everything that made the journey meaningful

“I want my teammates to remember a guy who was always there for them. I want them to remember my effort for the team and program but also for them. I just wanted to be the leader that the team needed and I hope they remember me as a man who respected everyone and treated everyone with kindness.” said Nick Pogue. “I will miss SUPER SHOOT AND HITTING THE SLED, and being in the locker room chopping it up with my guys. Meeting in coach Bates office while he’s eating three cups of sunflower seed at once. I want my team to remember me as someone who kept it real no matter what and that they can always ask me for anything,” exclaimed Green.