Duane Rich yearns to be a success.
“It’s my drive that keeps me going,” the senior at Abraham Lincoln said.
The 17-year-old, the latest honoree of the Brian Dawkins Award, has displayed the effort required to overcome major obstacles.
Four years ago, when his mother was experiencing multiple personal problems, Rich moved in with his brother, Taurean Nelson, 19, in Montbello. It was after the family had moved from Park Hill to Edgewater.
“I lived with him for about 90 percent of my freshman year,” Rich said.
In order to keep his commitment to his football team, Rich would arise at 5:30 a.m. to ride a bus and frequently didn’t get home during the season until 10 p.m. or so.
“He sacrificed the most valuable thing that he had, his time,” Lancers coach Jesse Hernandez said.
Rich, now 5-foot-11, 186 pounds, moved back with his mother as a sophomore and continued to flourish at school. He eventually became a running back, wide receiver, defensive back and returner, as well as a team leader.
“He’s never missed a voluntary workout or practice, and he’s the hardest worker in the weight room,” Hernandez said.
Academically, Rich has a 4.1 grade-point average and is an aspiring engineer hopeful of playing at Colorado School of Mines.
“My family has helped me to keep focused,” Rich said. “They’ve really supported me.”
His situation three years ago, he said, “pushed me to stay academically sound and knowing that even when I wasn’t with (his mother), she still wanted what was best for me.
“Only two people in my family went to college. I want to be the one for those people who pushed me to be the best I can.”
Rich, who will be at Sports Authority Field at Mile High today, when the Broncos host the San Diego Chargers, said he’s eager to meet Dawkins “because I think he’s an outstanding athlete. When he played for the Eagles, I watched one of his interviews. It was amazing to see how a man of such athletic ability was able to hold himself on the field and (keep) his great character.”
Before each game, Dawkins, a Broncos safety, will choose a deserving prep player who demonstrates strong commitment to and accomplishment in the sport and in the classroom, character off the field and has overcome adversity.
The winner will receive two tickets to a Broncos home game and pregame sideline passes courtesy of Dawkins, and must be accompanied by a parent or chaperone. Dawkins will meet with the player after the game.
Nominees must be submitted to The Denver Post at ndevlin@denverpost.com. The final selection is made by Dawkins.
