While enjoying the huge win over Tennessee yesterday, I also had the pleasure of visiting with the Roland family. I spent a few minutes before the game chatting with Mizzou legend and All-American Johnny Roland, whose grandson (Adam) was among the seniors honored in the pre-game ceremony. Adam (normally #61) came out wearing the retired No. 23 in honor of his grandpa. Johnny was all smiles as he gave his grandson a big hug on the field. Adam, meanwhile, was all tears.
I have known Adam since his high school days at Oakville, where he was a member of my broadcast journalism class for two years. He has spent the last four years as a walk-on lineman for the Tigers. More important, he will graduate this December with a degree in Sports Management. He earned All-SEC academic honors the past two years and already has an internship lined up with the Indianapolis Indians Triple A baseball franchise.
I know fans get caught up in the wins and losses, but the opportunity to be a student-athlete is about more than just success on the field. Adam only played in one game during his four years at Mizzou, but I know he was a valued teammate. It was a lifelong dream of his to play at Mizzou, and last night his dream came to an emotional conclusion.
It was a privilege to watch Adam live out his dream. I could not be more proud of a nice young man who has a big future ahead of him.
I have known Adam since his high school days at Oakville, where he was a member of my broadcast journalism class for two years. He has spent the last four years as a walk-on lineman for the Tigers. More important, he will graduate this December with a degree in Sports Management. He earned All-SEC academic honors the past two years and already has an internship lined up with the Indianapolis Indians Triple A baseball franchise.
I know fans get caught up in the wins and losses, but the opportunity to be a student-athlete is about more than just success on the field. Adam only played in one game during his four years at Mizzou, but I know he was a valued teammate. It was a lifelong dream of his to play at Mizzou, and last night his dream came to an emotional conclusion.
It was a privilege to watch Adam live out his dream. I could not be more proud of a nice young man who has a big future ahead of him.
