U of A's Athlete of the Week

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Summer Wildcat UA freshman punter Axel Trainer (2) punts a ball during practice time before UA's second scrimmage Tuesday night. Trainer has moved up from his third-string position to the number two slot on the team, and could find himself working his way up to a starting position.

"As far as all my awards from high school, that's not my bag, baby," said Trainer, his only comment about his collection of past accomplishments.

"My awards and certificates remain in a box because that's not me. I'm me," he said.

So who is this Trainer guy anyway, and why is he here?

"I'm here to grow and learn and I will continue to do as much as I am capable of doing. If I get called on to play, then I will do my best. But otherwise, I'm here to learn and get into the college routine and system," he said.

Trainer joins the Wildcats as a walk-on recruit from Cactus Shadows High School in Phoenix.

He originally was the third-string punter, but after impressive performances through Camp Cochise and the two preseason scrimmages, including a 66-yard bomb Tuesday, he has moved ahead of last year's fan favorite, Chris Palic.

"Trainer is currently fighting to be on that plane," UA head coach Dick Tomey said, adding that he has been impressed by Trainer the last couple of weeks.

Trainer said the attention of the UA coaches on his previous recruiting trips is what led him to UA, but it was the College of Education that finalized his decision.

"I'm here to get my education and make my parents proud, and if something comes along with my future in football as I play here, then I'll explore it. But for now, my main goal is to have a classroom of my own and teach," Trainer said.