MOUNT PLEASANT, SC -- Nolan Kelleher, a Wando High School senior, was recognized by the Marine Corps during a sports pep rally at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, S.C., Sept. 20.
Kelleher was presented a Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl jersey in front of the student body for being selected to participate in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in January in Carson, Calif.
“I am very humbled by this great opportunity to work with the Marines and to hopefully make them proud,” said Kelleher. “I am extremely grateful for all that they do for our country and hope to put on a good game for them.”
Kelleher plays offensive guard on the Wando High School varsity football team. Kelleher is one of less than 50 players chosen to play for the East Coast team during the bowl game that will pit the best high school student athletes from across the county in an East versus West competition. All 90 student athletes chosen to play in January’s bowl game were selected based on their performance both on and off the field. Player selection criteria included raw football talent as well as the athlete’s character, academic performance and leadership.
The assistant coach of the varsity football team Mike Donnally was also recognized during the event. Donnalley was chosen to serve as an assistant coach for East Coast team.
“I’m very proud of Kelleher and was not surprised when he was selected as a player for the bowl,” said Donnalley. “He’s a great kid and a perfect candidate.”
Jimmy Noonan, Wando High School head coach, said he is expecting nothing but great things from Kelleher and knows he’ll perform exceptionally.
“He’s worked hard and improved every year,” said Noonan. “He never quit working.”
Kelleher received more than 30 scholarship offers including offers from the University of Georgia, the University of Tennessee, Florida State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Kelleher committed to the University of Florida in August. He was recognized for his performance on the football field by being named to the 2012 Post and Courier 1st Team All Low Country, 2012 All Region 7 AAAA, and 2012 High School Report AAAA 1st Team All State. Kelleher was also ranked by ESPN as a four-star recruit. The Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl will air live on Fox Sports 1 at 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on January 5 from the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. -30-