Boston College Football proved to be the ultimate maturation experience for me. The collegerecruiting process can be misleading, especially for the overconfident young athletes getting ready to take on Division 1 athletics.
Like most athletes, I left high school as the big man on campus, a former starting quarterback, and a beloved member of the student body. Then the first off season workout smacked me in the face and presented the unfamiliar feeling of doubt. Am! good enough? Am I prepared? Did I make the wrong decision? My first winter in Boston had me asking that question daily!
But the BC experience taught me perseverance and overall development as an individual who truly embodies the core Jesuit Mission of
“Men and Women for Others.*
During my time in Chestnut Hill I was constantly challenged by my coaches, teammates and professors.
I vividly remember being in the huddle before my first live game action when Dominique looked me in the face and said, “No one cares that you are a freshman!” I also remember countless times meetings hearing Coach Addazio cut players off before they could offer an excuse for not getting their job done. He would repeat the same refrain, “No One Cares.” This wasn’t meant to be dismissive, but more to remind us that we were put in a position to complete an objective, and ultimately. people are only interested in outcomes. not excuses. This was a life lesson embedded on the gridiron!
This simple lesson lives with me to this day and has made me a stronger person, an accountable husband/ son/brother, and a dependable worker.
I am thankful for the sacrifices and struggles Lou Montgomery was forced to endure His sacrifices opened the door for me and others who look like me to have the opportunity to put on the maroon and gold and walk out as stronger men.
Myles Willis #23 CO ’15