There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment for former Colorado Mines quarterback David Pesek when he talks about the trophy he has that is identical to one owned by Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.
Pesek and Tebow were among 22 college football players who were named to the 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for their off-the-field achievements and community contributions. Pesek received his trophy in a halftime ceremony during the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, but Tebow missed the halftime event because Florida was playing in the game and he had to attend the Gators’ halftime meetings.
The two quarterbacks didn’t meet. If they had, they could have compared notes on the camps that soon would get much of their attention.
Tebow became the focal point as a rookie in the Broncos’ training camp at Dove Valley. With little fanfare, Pesek’s interest turned to humanitarian work at the Barek Aub refugee camp an hour north of Kabul, Afghanistan.
“Football is an awesome sport, it’s almost a religion,” Pesek said. “But it’s still a game in its finest definition. When you go to a country such as Afghanistan, you know it’s not a game. War is not romantic. It’s ugly and brutal. Seeing that firsthand paints a picture in your head that you don’t part with.”
Pesek has left football behind. He was the quarterback for Mines from 2007-09 and went 23-12. He played at Arapahoe High in Littleton before going to Mines, turning down a chance to attend Army in order to stay closer to home.
Between his sophomore and junior seasons at Mines, Pesek learned of a program through his church in Lafayette. Sozo International out of Kentucky was putting together groups of volunteers to do humanitarian work in Afghanistan.
“I’ve been able to do a lot of international travel and I knew there were people out there who could use some help,” Pesek said. “People born in the United States believe they are entitled to a better way of life. I thought I could take some of that thinking with me and help some people out. I had a calling to do that.”
In early June 2008, Pesek made his first trip to Afghanistan as a member of a nine-person team that would spend seven days helping the 600 families living at Barek Aub.
“A week out of a year isn’t much when you see the impact you have,” Pesek said. “You realize there are a lot of things in the world that are more important than football.”
He was a little stunned on his first visit.
“The government had dumped these families out there and said goodbye,” Pesek said. “They had no water or resources. They were put there to die.”
There weren’t any gift lists. People in the camp needed water, a school and a medical clinic. The first order of business was to build a deep well for a water supply.
“The biggest shock was talking to the children and seeing how much hope they had,” Pesek said. “They still had hope with absolutely nothing. It was amazing and humbling to see that.”
Pesek returned to Barek Aub earlier this summer to see a completed school and clinic. He’s planning two more visits, one this fall and another next spring, to install a study curriculum at the school.
“Every time I’ve gone back, the people know me,” Pesek said. “They’re so grateful for our assistance. It’s awesome seeing these people who were left to die flourishing.”
Pesek ignored the dangers of being in a war zone.
“You have to have trust in the people you’re working for,” Pesek said. “You’re helping them out and they’re going to protect you.”
Mines football coach Bob Stitt credited Pesek’s humanitarian work with making a mark on his football teammates.
“What he did off the field really helped what the team thought of him on the field,” Stitt said. “He became a great leader. It’s crucial for the quarterback to be our team’s leader. It wasn’t only his work in Afghanistan. He was helping at Children’s Hospital a lot in his spare time. He truly cares about others.”
Pesek earned a degree in electrical engineering. He has applied to enter medical school, but will always have seven days to help people.
As for Tebow, Pesek thinks there’s more of a connection than a trophy.
“I feel like he and I have a lot in common,” Pesek said. “We could connect on a lot of levels. Our faith and, of course, we’re both quarterbacks.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
