Learning to take nothing for granted is a valuable life lesson. Colyn Donnelly says whether it is a snap on the football field or a day of life, you never know when it is your last. Playing football has shown him that things can change in an instant, so he makes the most of each moment.
Colyn is a senior at Elgin High School. He credits football with giving him the discipline to be a better leader and an overall better person. This discipline carries over to other sports. He also wrestles for EHS’s back-to-back dual state champion wrestling team and runs track.
Football he says is his passion. “It is more than a sport. It is a way of life teaching valuable lessons, bringing joy and excitement. My passion for football often stems from the thrill of the game, the sense of camaraderie with fellow fans, and the emotional connection to the sport and its’ players,” said Colyn.
His best memory playing football was when his team set records for EHS winning their district championship last year. “The feeling of knowing that we were the best team to come through Elgin was amazing,” he said.
Colyn and his fellow senior teammates have played together since their little league days. “My dad took me to watch older kids play little league. I told my dad I wanted to do it too. He became a coach and coached me and my fellow seniors until seventh grade. We started the War Owls, and they still are the War Owls to this day,” says Colyn.
Colyn looks to family for inspiration. “My papa inspires me. He inspires me in so many ways I cannot explain. Even though he is not with us anymore. I strive to be like him. My papa was the best person I knew. He inspires me to be a better person and a better man,” he says.
The teammate leaving the biggest impression is Colyn’s brother. “Even though he doesn’t know it, my brother pushes me to be better. And I hope he will be better than me one day,” he said.
Colyn is proud to represent Elgin because it is a great community. He wants to thank those by his side. “Thank you to all my coaches, family, my girlfriend Jaycee, my papa and thank you to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
