What makes College League, and, in turn, Manitou, so special is what it can allow a young boy to achieve. During College League, someone who may not be able to make the basketball team at home, can be a star for their team here. Manitou allows campers to do things they’ve always wanted to do and to feel like a star.

I will never forget playing football when I was a Low Senior here at Manitou. I played offensive line at home, but here I was allowed to play on both sides of the ball. I remember being so excited. One game in particular sticks out in my mind. We were in the 2nd half, and it was such a close game—we needed a stop to win. I rushed in hard and sacked the quarterback (pulled his flag) on two straight plays, and we won the game. My team, who was looking on from the sidelines, came running onto the field to celebrate, and I just remember it being one of the most amazing moments of my life. That’s why College League is so special.

Today I was reminded of that day during the St. John’s vs. VCU Low Senior football game. It went to sudden death overtime. Each team had the ball, but, with about three seconds left, St. John’s decided to kick a field goal. I would estimate it was at least 25, maybe 30 yards. The kid nailed it, right down the middle, and St. John’s rushed the field and celebrated with him and the rest of his team.

It immediately made me think of the time when I felt like a star at camp, and gave me a big smile to realize that even after 65 years, College League still has the ability to turn a regular kid into a star.