MOBILE, Alabama -- Wearing his No. 1 jersey, Colby Sawyer made sure he was involved in everything his new teammates were doing Saturday. South Alabama's newest Jaguar took part in meetings, the team meal, the bus ride to Ladd-Peebles Stadium, pregame warmups, the locker room talk and coin toss. And of course, he took part in the Jags' victory celebration following it's 24-20 win over Texas State.
Not a bad day for an 11-year-old fan. It was an especially good day for someone who has had his share of battles the past two years.
On Monday, Sawyer signed his letter of intent, joining the South Alabama football team. Throughout the week to took part in team activities and shared time with the coaches and players. Saturday, the USA Children's and Women's Hospital patient -- he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in June of 2012 -- Sawyer celebrated being part of the Jags' team in a big way.
"When you see how excited he is to be with all the players and riding the bus with us over here -- warming up the the guys and being a part of the coin toss -- it's special,'' South Alabama head coach Joey Jones said. "We've tried to do all we can to give him a great day.''
The Jags' efforts were a success.
"Hanging out with the players,'' Sawyer said without hesitation when asked what the best part of the day had been for him. "It's been fun.''
That was the aim. Team Impact worked with the South Alabama athletic program in matching Sawyer with the team. After the win, he joined his Jags teammates in trading high-fives with fans in celebration of the victory.
Source: http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/11/11-year-old_colby_sawyer_enjoy.html
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