Semper Fi Bowl 2016 players arrive in California

Photo By Cpl. Mark Adams | JD Spielman tries on a helmet during check-in for the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl 2016, held at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Garden Grove, California, on Dec. 28, 2015. These students were not only selected for their performance on the field, but also the relationship they have built within their community and their academic accomplishments. “It means a lot because every player here has done something special for their state, their school and their city. I feel blessed to be selected as one of the players for it,” said Spielman. Spielman is a wide receiver for Eden Prarie High School in Eden Prarie, Minnesota. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mark Adams/ Released)  

GARDEN GROVE, CA, UNITED STATES

12.29.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Shaehmus Sawyer 

Marine Corps Recruiting Command           

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. -- More than 90 high school football players and coaches registered for the fifth annual Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Garden Grove, Calif., Dec. 29.

Two mannequins, one wearing blue East Coast team gear and the other in the red West Coast team jersey, showcased the new uniforms as the players arrived at the registration desk. Marine liaisons welcomed the athletes and escorted each one through a process for fitting their equipment, from helmets to cleats, in their respective red or blue colors.

The SFAAB provides Marines with the opportunity to engage well-rounded student athletes and share Marine Corps leadership lessons that will positively impact their lives, both on and off the field.

Marines and coaches alike will impart the Corps’ values of honor, courage and commitment as the players prepare for the game.

“This is really going to do a lot for these kids…we can lead them and show them Marine Corps values,” said Sgt. Daniel Weixler, a drill instructor with Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. “It’s a lot like recruit training, where we guide them mentally and physically to work as a team and hold each other accountable.”

The players were selected by scouts, who not only assessed their athletic abilities, but also academic accomplishments and community leadership that complement their character.

“It’s honoring and humbling at the same time,” said Robert Kraeling, an athlete from Prince Avenue Christian School, Bogart, Ga. “Getting nominated and being able to fly out here and be a part of this means a lot to me. I want to be the best role model I can be for those who may look up to me.”

After the players finished registering, they received a welcome address that highlighted key events during the week such as a visit to Universal Studios, community service activities, and a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game.

“As Marines, our pride and joy is making Marines, winning our Nation’s battles, and returning quality citizens back to America,” said Sgt. Maj. Samuel Heyward, Sergeant Major, Marine Corps Recruiting Command. “The (SFAAB) aligns with these objectives by instilling leadership, self-confidence and teamwork in the players and we send them back to their schools and communities better prepared for not just football, but for life.”

The 2016 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl will kick off at the Stubhub Center in Carson, Calif., and will broadcast live on Fox Sports 1, at 6 p.m. PST, Jan. 3, 2016.

For more updates, please visit https://m.facebook.com/SemperFidelisFootball or
https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/MCRC#.Vk8u7V3ovIW.

• Date Taken: 12.29.2015
• Date Posted: 12.29.2015 23:24
• Story ID: 185446
• Location: GARDEN GROVE, CA, US