St. Louis native Jamaal Phillips is coming home to play in the 2010 St. Louis Gateway Classic football game this Saturday, September 25 at the Edward Jones Dome at 3 p.m.
Phillips, a Hazelwood East High School graduate, plays offensive line for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions. They face the Clark Atlanta Panthers in this year’s showdown between historically black universities.
“I get to play in front of hometown fans. I have a lot of family and friends coming out to support me,” said Phillips.
One important source of support will come from the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club.
In 2008, Phillips was Youth of the Year for Herbert Hoover, as well as youth clubs in the State of Missouri and the Midwest region. He got a chance to travel and compete nationally for Youth of the Year honors and network with individuals from boys and girls clubs around the nation.
Now a junior majoring in industrial technology at UAPB, Phillips remains close to Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club President Flint W. Fowler.
Phillips first came to the club when his mother, Lt. Col. Michele Phillips, was on military duty with the U.S. Army.
“His mother was deployed and his father was not in the best of health,” Fowler said.
“He’s persevered academically, socially and has a balanced sense of self. He’s given every indication that his success will continue.”
Phillips hopes to attend graduate school and work in construction after graduation from UAPB.
“I wanted to go somewhere that would offer both my major and my love for football,” Phillips said of his university choice.
Fowler is proud to see a club alumnus achieving success through passion and dedication.
“I’m proud and excited for him,” Fowler said.
“He gets to express his love for football and another level of showing his talent.”
Phillips said he has improved his game in football and looks forward to displaying this improvement on the big stage of the Dome.
“I’m faster and stronger and able to recognize more things on the field,” Phillips said.
UAPB has a few new coaches on the roster to help improve the team’s performance, such as offensive coordinator Jerry Mack, linebacker coach Vernon Dean and offensive line coach Bruce Johnson.
“I’m really excited to show our new things,” Phillips said.
The young man has grown a great deal since his first days at Herbert Hoover.
“I was in that program since I was about six. It’s a great club,” Phillips said.
Phillips was part of Summer Day Camp, involved in the Keystone program and part of a senior staff development program at the club during his tenure.
“Students can be successful in the playing field and within education. We help provide a great foundation and growth,” Fowler said.
“He’s took advantage of the experiences of the club and some of the obstacles he has overcome.”
For tickets to the 2010 St. Louis Gateway Classic, call 314-621-1994, visit ticketmaster.com or come to the Dome on Saturday.
