Zack Conti is a senior offensive lineman for Eastern Michigan University. When he arrived on campus four years ago, he was a “walk-on,” which meant that he received no reduction in his fees to attend school. To pay for his tuition, he has always worked. He works a lot of construction jobs. He also has had to donate his plasma to pay bills. It’s been a long road.
Earlier this fall, Zack was considering the transfer portal. He thought that perhaps another school might put him on a scholarship. He shared this news with one of his teammates, Brian Dooley. Brian did not want this to happen. After all, Zack had become a starter. Brian knew how hard Zack had worked and knew he was a valuable component of the team. Moreover, to Brian, Zack was like a brother.
Since the coaches at EMU did not have another scholarship to offer Zack, Brian thought of another option. He talked it over with his family and then he talked it over with his coaches. Brian then made the decision to donate his full-ride scholarship to Zack. When he did so, Brian hugged Zack and said, “Love you brother.” Zack responded, “Love you back.”
Joe’s Perspective: This is an excellent example of what sports can teach. One teammate recognized the struggles of his friend and wanted to provide a kind gesture to alleviate some of these struggles. Brian appreciated all that Zack had contributed to the team and he wanted to pay him back. A one-year scholarship is worth over $40,000, which includes tuition, housing, food and money to pay living expenses. This is money that Brian’s family will have to pay this year so that Zack can attend school for free. In a recent interview, Brian said:
“Some people say, ‘why do it?’ It’s because I know Zack. I’d do it again for him. He’s a brother to me. I just couldn’t let him walk away from something that he built here.”
Your Turn: What are your thoughts after reading/hearing this story? Does it inspire you to do something positive for one of your teammates?
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Pingback: College Athlete Donates his Scholarship to his Teammate – Kevin Mauermann's WordPress Site
I thought that was really kind of Brian to give away his scholarship. It does inspire me to help my teammates when I can.
This story is a heartwarming reminder of what it means to be a teammate and a friend and emphasizes the importance of selflessness.
This is such an amazing act of kindness that this team mate did for his fellow player. This was such a wholesome thing that Brian did. This is inspiring to others.
This is such an amazing act of kindness that this team mate did for his fellow player. This is very inspiring to others.
That was a very kind thing for Brian to do, something not many people would even think of, but to do it means everything. Brian is a great role model for others.
I thought it was really cool and selfless of him to do. It set an example for others and is a really good role model
I believe after reading this, I’m going to focus more on how I can help others around me and not always make everything about me.
I think that this story is truly inspiring to all, as it shows how one kind gesture can change one’s life for the better. This story also inspires me to do something nice for my teammates whenever I get the chance to.
My thoughts is that that is very nice of him. It does inspire me to do something positive for my teammates and help them as well.
I think this was a very kind act because it’s such a big thing to give away.
After hearing this story, it has inspired me to put myself in my teammates shoe’s because you never know what they are going through. I think Brian is very kind for doing that.
I thought it was sweet of Brian to give his scholarship to Zack. It reminded me to help my teammates when I can
This has inspired me and taught me to always see yourself an other people’s situations and I would love to do the same for my teammates and help them out whenever they need help.
This has inspired me and taught me to always see yourself an other people’s situations and I would love to do the same for my teammates and help them out whenever they need it.
I think it kind but he should have worked harder to get his own scholarship
I think its really kind if him and the positivity is awesome
My thoughts after reading this is how it was really kind and thoughtful how Brian donated his scholarship to Zack. It does inspire me to do something nice for my teammates because it can make their day better.
I think this is a great show of brotherhood and sportsmanship. Even though Brian dodnt have to give Zack his scholarship he did so anyways. It shows what great support can come from your family and friends when it things get tough. I think I will be more included to help now sering how Brian helped Zack.
This story is very touching. This inspires me to do something positive to help my teammates out to help them become a better person .
I really appreciate that Brian had a kind heart and donated a scholarship to a fellow teammate. I would be so appreciative of someone else if that happened to me.
This shows the friendships and in this case the heartwarming brotherhood that are formed between players and people realize the little things
Giving away a schoalor ships is a huge wholesome thing to do that really inspires me.
This is so nice. He could have had it for himself but he gave it to his buddy.
I thought that that was a very selfless thing of Brian to do. It inspires me to become a better teammate and have better sportsmanship!
I thought that that was a very selfless thing of Brian to do. It inspires me to become a better teammate and have better sportsmanship throughout my athletic career!
I thought that that was a very selfless thing of Brian to do. It inspires me to become a better teammate and have better sportsmanship throughout my athletic career! I hope that it inspires others as well!
It crazy to imagine a college student basically giving up $40,000 so that his teammate can have it. Yes it makes me think about how I can do a kind gesture for my teammates.