3RD ANNUAL BRUIN KICKOFF SCRIMMAGE

BIG VALLEY
HOMECOMING

 

Larry Kasinger stands among the greatest athletes in Riverbank High School history. A dominant offensive player during the late 1970s, Kasinger helped lead the Bruins with his toughness, leadership, and all-around athletic excellence. His impact wasn’t limited to the gridiron—his performances across multiple sports earned him county-wide recognition.

In 1979, Kasinger became the first Riverbank High School athlete ever honored at the Outstanding Athlete Awards (OAA) Dinner, receiving the top award in the high school division. This prestigious recognition named him the Best High School Athlete in Stanislaus County, cementing his status as a trailblazing figure in Bruin athletics.

To honor his legacy, Riverbank High School presents the Larry Kasinger Award each season to the Most Outstanding Varsity Offensive Player. The award celebrates not only Kasinger’s historic achievements, but also the values of effort, excellence, and leadership he exemplified as a Bruin.

Jim “Jimmy” Oliver made his mark as a standout athlete at Riverbank High School in the late 1970s. In 1978, he helped lead the Bruins to a Trans-Valley League (TVL) championship—the last league title in the school’s football history. That same season, Oliver earned first-team All-TVL honors as the team’s top wide receiver. He graduated with the Class of 1979.

Following high school, Oliver continued his football career at Modesto Junior College, where he transitioned to the defensive side of the ball, playing as a defensive back. As a freshman, he earned second-team All-Valley Conference recognition and played a key role on the 1980 MJC team that went undefeated, finishing 11–0 and capturing the junior college national championship with a win over Pasadena City College.

Today, Riverbank High School honors his legacy with the annual Jim Oliver Award, presented to the Most Outstanding Varsity Defensive Player. The award commemorates Oliver’s excellence on the field and his lasting impact on the Bruin football program.

Casey Blevins remains a pillar of the Riverbank High football program and a tireless advocate for youth sports in the community. As a dedicated coach, Blevins has served in multiple roles on the football staff, including position coach and head of the junior varsity squad. He is known for emphasizing fundamentals, improving player conditioning through detailed drills, and encouraging widespread participation among student-athletes. His leadership continues to extend beyond the high school field, helping to bridge youth football and the varsity program through summer camps and off-season training, creating a steady pipeline of talent and mentorship.

Beyond the sidelines, Blevins and his family are deeply embedded in the fabric of Riverbank athletics. He actively serves on the Riverbank Athletic Boosters board, helping to organize community fundraisers, emcee events, and recognize local supporters for their service. Known as both a coach and a “sports dad,” he is a visible and dependable presence at games, practices, and community gatherings. His ongoing commitment helps raise funds for equipment and scholarships while strengthening the connection between Riverbank High and the broader town community.

To honor this enduring legacy, the Riverbank High School football program created the Blevins Family Award, given annually to recognize the values of family support, dedication, and community leadership that Coach Blevins and his family continue to embody. This award stands as a lasting tribute to the positive and ongoing impact the Blevins family has made—and continues to make—on generations of Bruin athletes.

The All Bruin Award represents the highest honor bestowed upon a Riverbank High football player. This award is reserved for the individual who exemplifies excellence in every aspect of the game on the field, in the weight room, and within the school community. This year’s recipient is not only the most outstanding performer on the team but also a leader in character, work ethic, and commitment. They embody what it means to wear the maroon and gold, setting the standard for future Bruins to follow. The All Bruin Award celebrates the very best Riverbank High has to offer.

The Golden Star Award honors a player whose journey through Riverbank High has been defined by resilience, growth, and transformation. This individual has faced and overcome significant personal challenges, yet never allowed adversity to define them. Through dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to football, they have not only changed the trajectory of their life but have become an inspiration to teammates and coaches alike. The Golden Star Award celebrates the power of determination and the role football can play in shaping a brighter future.

 

 

Completing four full years in the Riverbank High School football program is an accomplishment that speaks volumes about a player’s character, commitment, and love for the game. From their first steps onto the field as a wide-eyed freshman to their final snaps as a seasoned senior, this individual has shown what it truly means to be a Bruin.

They have endured the early mornings, the tough losses, the long practices, and the physical and mental demands that come with each season. Through it all, they remained loyal—to their teammates, to their coaches, and to the values of discipline and perseverance that our program stands for.

A four-year football player is more than just an athlete. They are a leader, a role model, and a cornerstone of the team culture. Their consistent presence and dedication have helped shape the identity of this program, and their impact will be felt long after they leave the field.

We honor and thank this player for their years of service, sacrifice, and pride in wearing the maroon and gold. They leave behind a legacy that sets the standard for what it means to be part of Riverbank Football.