This Saturday on the NFL Network, former East St. Louis Flyer All-American Terry “Black Cat” Hawthorne will compete in the 88th annual East-West Shrine All Star Game. The net proceeds of the game help hundreds of hospitals around the country, including Shriners Hospitals for children.
Terry Hawthorne, who just completed a stellar career at the University of Illinois, is more than a great football player. His thoughtful heart is far bigger than any play he made during his exciting career for Illinois or East St. Louis Senior High. Known as “BlackCat” by friends and teammates, Hawthorne was just leaving a local Shriners Hospital in Boca Raton, Florida when reached by phone this week.
“I had an opportunity to visit the local Shriners Hospital here between practices, and it was one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever participated in,” he said.
“I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to visit the kids and look forward to doing it again someday soon. I know we have one in St. Louis also, and hopefully I will get a chance to visit that one as well someday.”
The character and determination of Terry Hawthorne have made his mother, father, family and a host of others so proud of him. He hasn’t changed one bit since his high school days when I covered him. He still says, “Yes, sir; no, ma’am; thank you.”
In addition, the young man will finish his internship in Recreation Sports/Tourism with a concentration in Sports Management. He will walk in May with his class and receive a degree from the University of Illinois. Now, that’s what I’m talking about! An athlete from the “618” with honors and a degree!
“I’m so excited about my future utilizing my degree. I have had the opportunity to see how events are planned from the beginning to end. Through my educational experience at the University of Illinois, I helped implement, set timelines, and all the things behind the scenes of events like I have participated in,” said Hawthorne.
“I understand from the beginning to end how bowl games, concerts, game day operations are put together. I’m so excited about getting my degree. Not just for me, but my family and friends who have supported me at school, but in East St. Louis as well. I’ve had so much support at Illinois, and met countless people along the way. I’m also thankful of the opportunity to play in and against some of the greatest games and competition during my run in the Big 10.”
After this Saturday’s game, it’s back to work with the internship he will finish in March. In addition, he will be working out and preparing for the NFL scouting combine, and for the NFL draft this spring.
When asked about his NFL prospects, Hawthorne simply stated, “I’m not going to focus on what the media is saying about if and when I’m going to be drafted. I’m going to continue to grind and work hard each and every day to get stronger and faster, not take any short cuts, to reach my goal to play on Sundays.”
In my opinion, Terry Hawthorne has already reached some goals by helping others.
Back in February on 2011, Wyvetter Young Middle school was playing for the boys class 3A State Basketball Championship. Former Hannibal LaGrange standout Don Spencer and I were the coaches.
I telephoned Terry that morning asking if he could come to Monticello, the site of the state finals that night, to speak to the boys. One of the members on that team was Natereance Strong, who is currently a super sophomore running back with the Flyers.
Like the young man he is, Terry appeared at the end of the team bench and inspired those boys to their thrilling victory over Tetopolis and the first state basketball championship at the school. So, whether he knows it or not, Terry Hawthorne has already touched his community and others visiting hospitals and reaching out to youth.
It’s only fitting that your blessings are yet to come with first getting your degree that you so badly want. And having off days on Tuesdays, and getting your butt up and going to work on Sundays!
Good luck, Terry Hawthorne, you have made all of us proud of you for how you represented the University of Illinois.
More important ant, you stayed connected to the youth of where you came from … East St. Louis!
