Boston College starting center Drew Kendall doesn’t take the good fortune of being an FBS college football player for granted.
Kendall and two dozen of his teammates were enthusiastic volunteers at the third annual Beautiful Lives Project Field of Dreams event on Wednesday morning at Fish Fieldhouse, the Eagles’ indoor practice facility adjacent to Alumni Stadium.
The project united 60 disabled adults, teens, and children with BC team members and coaching staff for a series of football drills at four stations set up near the south end zone.
“It is a great event because we are really fortunate to be scholarship players at Boston College,” said Kendall, a redshirt junior from Norwell. “It is so important for us to give back to the community, especially as a local guy trying to make an impact in your community.”
The event touched home with BC first-year head football coach Bill O’Brien, whose son Jack suffers from lissencephaly, a brain disorder that requires 24/7 care. O’Brien, who has dedicated his time and energy to helping people with disabilities, presided over the opening ceremony.
“I think this is what Boston College is all about,” said BC Director of Football Initiatives and former player Josh Beekman, who doubled as master of ceremonies and event coordinator. “Coach O’Brien said one of his pillars is about service and we are going to be men and women for others.
“That is what the event is all about. There are so many athletes that want to do what we do and this is a reminder to the guys that they are blessed to do amazing things on this field.”
Beekman rotated the athletes through the four stations, which tested them on blocking, passing, tackling and agility. Each of the participants received a high-five or a fist bump for the successful completion of a drill. The festivities were a welcome reprieve to the BC players, who are experiencing the rudimentary off-season drudgery of weights and sprint drills.
“I was at the tackling station and that’s the best one, it’s a lot of fun,” said Jack Funke, a sophomore offensive lineman from Needham. “They really liked to knock the (tackling) bag down and jump on it. It was awesome and I loved it.”
Beekman later huddled the attendees in the north end zone to kick extra points. Each participant was presented with a medal and a “goodie bag” before departing the campus. Beekman was gracious enough to let the visiting team have the last word.
“Go Eagles.”
