Sergio Lara and Meshack Logan are student-athletes just like any others in Colorado.
Then again, they’re different.
Lara, a senior quarterback at Skyview in Thornton, and Logan, a junior linebacker at George Washington in Denver, co-winners of this week’s Brian Dawkins Award, work at football and make an effort in the classroom.
But their home lives have come with an assortment of difficulties and hardships that undoubtedly seem unbelievable to the average Coloradan, all too familiar to many others.
Lara, who led Class 3A Skyview to a 7-3 record in narrowly missing a playoff berth in 2011, has his parents, originally from Mexico, in a holding area in Aurora and awaiting their immigration fate. Plus, while helping to take care of siblings, he had been cleaning office buildings in early mornings before school and living with other family members.
“He just does a great job and works hard,” Skyview athletic director Bill Nelson said. “He has overcome a lot of adversity. He just kind of attacks everything. I’m really proud of him.”
Lara, who threw and ran for more than 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns, is entertaining ideas of college.
“But first, my parents are fighting, trying to get a visa,” Lara said. “It might take a while. It has been very difficult.”
Logan, a big part of GW rallying to finish 3-3 after an 0-4 start, led the 4A Patriots in tackles. Coach Fred Harris wondered how when considering Logan had experienced little parental direction and an unstable home life involving siblings and confrontations.
“But he’s kept working hard here,” Harris said. “It has been tough for him.”
Keeping focused on football and academics, Logan said, “has really helped me. I try to work at both. And I’m looking forward to meeting (Dawkins).”
Lara and Logan will be at Sports Authority Field at Mile High today, when the Broncos host the New England Patriots. 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 receives 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 to offer encouragement.
Nominees must be submitted to The Denver Post at ndevlin@denverpost.com. The final selection is made by Dawkins.
Neil H. Devlin: 303-954-1714 or ndevlin@denverpost.com
