St. Francis High’s Dulcich lands football scholarship at UCLA
Greg Dulcich probably won’t ever forget the day he turned 20.
The former St. Francis High football standout will have a lot of memories to share with his family and friends the rest of his life after he received a scholarship from UCLA after making the team his first two seasons as a walk-on.
Dulcich, a former All-Area player who helped St. Francis get to the CIF Southern Section Division III championship game in 2017, got confirmation about the scholarship offer after receiving a call from UCLA head coach Chip Kelly on March 26 while watching television at his home.
“Just awesome; the best phone call I’ve ever received,” said Dulcich, a tight end who will be a redshirt sophomore next season. “Coach Kelly called and I thought he was just checking in with me on some things when he said I’d be on a scholarship. I was able to be with my family when the call happened and we were able to celebrate.
“I’ve been working very hard the last two seasons and UCLA wants the guys to do their best and they give you chances to see what you are capable of doing. I know I need to continue to keep on improving and carry that thought process into next season and be ready to contribute.”
Dulcich, who graduated from St. Francis in 2018, caught eight passes for 105 yards and one touchdown last season. He had three receptions for 37 yards and one touchdown in a 23-14 nonconference home loss against San Diego State at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 7.
Overall, Dulcich has caught nine passes for 111 yards and one touchdown in 14 contests with the Bruins.
“I’ve tried to become faster and stronger,” said Dulcich, a political science major. “I’ve worked closely with my position coach since I got to UCLA.”
Dulcich also credited veteran St. Francis football coach Jim Bonds for providing encouragement. Bonds is a former UCLA quarterback.
“Coach Bonds taught me so much about the game and how to conduct yourself,” said Dulcich, who caught 50 passes for 1,168 yards and 12 touchdowns during his senior season with the Golden Knights. “I called him to let him know about the scholarship and he was very happy for me. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have the support I received at St. Francis and I’m very grateful.”
Bonds, who played at UCLA from 1988-91, has served as St. Francis coach since 2000.
Bonds told Dulcich he was proud of his former player’s accomplishment.
“He’s done everything that’s been asked of him by UCLA,” Bonds said. “To see him go from a walk-on player to getting a scholarship on his birthday is a great present.
“When he was at St. Francis, he led by example. Greg had a goal in his senior season to catch 50 passes for 1,000 yards. I had a lot of people asking me where Greg was going to college and I know UCLA is thrilled to have him. When I watch the UCLA games and I see him playing, it’s like watching your own son playing.”
UCLA is scheduled to begin the 2020 season Aug. 29 at home against New Mexico State.
