Local athlete participates in Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl

Marine Corps Recruiting Command
Story by Sgt. Samuel A. Nasso

Date: 01.02.2014
Posted: 01.02.2014 21:27
News ID: 118779
Local Athlete Participates in Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - Saeed Blacknall is Recognized for Academic and Athletic Excellence; Selected to Play in Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.

The United States Marine Corps is recognizing exemplary student athletes across the country through the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. Now in its third year, the game will feature 90 student athletes selected from across the country based on their athletic prowess, academic success and embodiment of the Marine Corps values of honor, courage and commitment.

Blacknall, wide receiver from Manalapan High School, Manalapan, N.J., is among those selected to participate in the nationally televised Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. The game will broadcast on January 5, 2014, live on Fox Sports 1 at 6 p.m. PST from the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Blacknall will fulfill a childhood dream that he’s had since he started playing football when he was five, when he goes off to play at Rutgers University next year. Blacknall is undecided on what he will study.

“I think it’s a great experience and great opportunity,” Blacknall said. “To play with these players, to learn from these coaches, and to represent our families, hometowns, and the Marine Corps; it’s a big deal.”

The student athletes selected for the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl exhibit a drive similar to Blacknall in that they have more than outstanding athletic ability – they also exemplify youth leadership and are committed to building life skills both on and off the field.

The Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl is the culmination of the Marine Corps’ Semper Fidelis Football Program, which also includes an All-American Selection Tour. Through the program, the Marine Corps purposefully engages with well-rounded student athletes to share leadership lessons that will enable future success.

“I’ve learned a lot from the players and the coaches,” Jennings said. “My family's coming out here and it feels like there will be a lot riding on this game Sunday. I think the East team’s going to take it home.”