June 10, 2009 > Bill Mancebo's player spotlight: Derek Jordan dela Cruz Bill Mancebo's player spotlight: Derek Jordan dela Cruz This week's player spotlight takes us to Union City where we meet 6-year-old martial artist Derek Jordan dela Cruz. Dela Cruz finds that Tai Kwon Do helps him to balance mind, body and spirit. Affectionately known as D.J., dela Cruz has been studying martial arts for less than a year now and has already earned a blue stripe on his white belt. He utilizes these skills to perfect his focus on other sports such as T-ball and golf. Sports flow through this young man's veins with heroes as namesakes, Derek Jeter and Michael Jordan. Occasionally D.J. finds spare time in between his sporting activities to enjoy the challenge of piecing together one of his 100-piece puzzles or playing SpongeBob or Scooby Doo on his computer. He happily stays in peak condition by dining on his mom's homemade spaghetti, and also looks forward to spending time with his pet hermit crabs. Dela Cruz currently attends Tom Kitayama Elementary School studying writing as a favorite subject; he aspires to be a fireman when he grows up.