A Dream Come True for Parlier High School Honorary Captain

PARLIER, Calif — Monday through Friday you can find Justo Bustos in the classroom, but on Friday nights he can be seen under the lights of the Parlier high school football stadium.

Former Parlier High School head coach and current P.E. teacher Joe Reyes is a mentor to Justo.

Reyes says Justo’s heart and passion for wanting to help others are what makes him so special.

“He wants to help his team in any way he can and I think he can’t physically help them, but he’s emotionally helping them – giving them words of encouragement,” Reyes says.

Justo has cerebral palsy, but that doesn’t stop him from cheering on his teammates from the sidelines.

For four years, the Parlier football field has been a second home to Justo. His role as honorary captain not only includes providing water for the team but also giving motivational speeches before and during the game.

Justo says the football team and Reyes are like a family to him.

“My main objective is to inspire them — to hit them in their heart, to give them that pump up – that little energy,” Justo says.

Victor Cisneros is a running back at Parlier High. He has had a major influence in Justo’s life because of his determination to not give up. But in turn, Justo is the one making an impact on Victor’s life.

“He’s always inspired me because knowing that he can’t play football, it makes me work twice as hard,” Victor says. “I just want to thank Justo Bustos for everything he’s done for me.”

Justo also says that he keeps a smile on his face and positive outlook on life by having a support system — his parents.

Justo’s father says that his son is a blessing to him and his wife, and he is proud to call him his son.

“He is always motivating himself to do his best,” Fernando says. “I think with the help of God, himself, us, he will go far in life.”

On senior night of the Parlier high 2016 football season, Justo got to live out a special moment by returning a kickoff for an 85-yard touchdown.

Scoring a touchdown was just one of many dreams for Justo.

After high school, he plans to go to Reedley College and then transfer to Fresno State where he hopes to obtain a degree in psychology.