High school football team manager with cerebral palsy hopes to become a coach
MILFORD - One of the most important members of the high school football team in Milford, Massachusetts has never caught a pass and never made a tackle.
Kingston Rowlands
Kingston Rowlands, a 15-year-old sophomore at Milford High, is the team's manager. He's also a mentor, motivator and role model. He does it all while living with cerebral palsy.
"It means the world, I love being part of this team," Rowlands told WBZ-TV. "When they found out that I was going to be with them, they were so excited and that really meant a lot to me."
"He watches film, more than some of our actual players. He always knows what the opponent likes to do, what they don't like to do," said running back Daniel Carvalho. "He's one of our most important players. I don't know where we'd be without him."
"He breaks down film"
Head coach Dale Olson describes Rowlands as a football fanatic.
"Thirty years I've been around high school football and I've never met a young man like Kingston. So Kingston's like our manager. He breaks down film. Highly, highly intelligent in the game of football," Olson said.
"He inspires all of us on the team. He tells us how we have to do our best and then he'll let us know our mistakes," linebacker Anthony Maietta told WBZ.
Rowlands is on the sideline for every game and attends most practices. Something he doesn't have to do, but loves to do.
"All the players, yes, they're my teammates but they're also just my friends," said Rowlands.
Rowlands said as much as he's inspired the team, the feeling is mutual. They've also inspired him to continue with his dream to become a coach.
Inspiration to his team
"High school coaching, sports is about helping the kids more than it is about the sport," said Rowlands.
"After every practice, he'll give us a speech, after every game, he'll give us a speech. Sometimes even halftime. And it's just inspiring," said one of his teammates.
Rowlands has one more inspiring message for anyone going through challenges.
"Don't let the challenges stop you," said Rowlands. "Use that as motivation to work, so that you can be like, one day, 'I'll show you what I can do.'"
