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In a normally joyous occasion, the spring season brings with it the chance to walk with your graduating class, be handed your diploma and celebrate with your family and friends from near and far.
However, in 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has shut down basically everything, including graduation ceremonies and especially large get togethers common upon school graduations.
But that wasn’t going to stop the virtual nature of the California Golden Bears graduation ceremonies as nine football student-athletes celebrated their graduation from Cal Berkeley this spring.
Those athletes were: Valentino Daltoso, Colt Doughty, Collin Moore, Gabe Siemieniec, Greg Thomas, Lone Toailoa, Trey Turner III, Chinedu Udeogu and Ricky Walker III.
- Daltoso starred along the left side of the offensive line this past season, playing games at left tackle and left guard (and one game at right guard to boot). He earned a degree in Legal Studies.
- Walker played in four games and hauled in just two receptions, all coming against Oregon State in which he moved the chains for a first down on his 22-yard catch. He received his degree in Film.
- Moore played a career-high in snaps and games and hauled in a touchdown in the RedBox Bowl against Illinois. He received a degree in Political Economics and is currently in the transfer portal as we await his decision.
- Doughty was a reserve linebacker, logging 44 snaps this year on defense. He recorded four solo tackles and did not miss a tackle attempt. Doughty’s degree received is in American Studies.
- Turner played 767 career snaps in four years and finished with two interceptions and another pass breakup as well as several solo tackles with very few misses. His degree is in Sociology at Cal.
- Toailoa was given the Joseph M. Kavanagh Award for Most Improved Student-Athlete as he received his degree in American Studies. He also recorded two sacks and a handful of other quarterback pressures as well as solid run defense in 12 games.
- Udegou played just a handful of snaps across two games but received his degree in Business Administration. He announced he’s transferring to Illinois to play football and pursue a master’s degree.
- Siemieniec was the kickoff specialist for the Bears this season, averaging 62.1 yards per kick and booting 22 touchbacks. His degree came in legal studies and he’s in the transfer portal to play one final season elsewhere.
- Thomas booted home 11-of-17 field goals this past season including 6-of-8 from 40 or more yards. He obtained a degree in Political Economy.
Congratulations to these former nine Golden Bears on an incredible accomplishment!