Episode 24, you already know what’s goin’ on. It’s incredibly difficult to believe that we’re actually approaching a year since Kobe’s transition, along with 8 other victims in an incredibly tragic crash. It goes without saying that Kobe’s impact is ever lasting. I’ll never forget watching his historic 60 point game. Rip Bean. Now, today’s episode is with Union Football’s Will Sirmon IV. Originally from Destrehan, Louisiana, Sirmon grew up in a world of football. From his father, who played for The University of Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, to his Grandfather being on the board of advisors at LSU, the game is in his blood. Sirmon spent his first 3 years of high school playing quarterback, patiently waiting for breakout opportunities. When he was finally slated to start, he torn his labrum in an off- field incident. This led to a position change, and an inability to throw how he had before. Switching to receiver, he was locked in yet another position battle. This one was with future NFL All-Pro, Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson. After minimal playing time at receiver, Sirmon was without offers and headed north to complete a Post graduate year at Phillips Academy, where we met. Our season was such a rollercoaster that you have to actually listen to us talk about it to understand . Regardless, we had fun and beat our rival, Exeter. Sirmon made 5 starts at quarterback, providing a much needed flash. When looking at colleges, he was sure that he was going to play receiver . Mostly Division 3 offers began flowing in, with some teams even wanting to see more of him at quarterback. Just two days before the deadline, Sirmon got a call from Holy Cross. A spot had opened up last minute, and though it was only a half-scholarship, he took it. Unfortunately as fate would have it, he torn his opposite labrum. That, combined with difficulty adjusting to being a full-time receiver, led to a split from the program. He weighed all of his options, including running track to retain scholarship money. Eventually, another call came in. This one was from Will Bellamy, the starting quarterback for Union College. Bellamy was doing his own postgrad year at Loomis in 2016-17 and is also from Louisiana. It seemed like a perfect match for Sirmon and has since been, with Union coming off a strong season and playoff berth. Another possibility that came along with the transfer was traveling abroad. Sirmon was all set to travel to Germany before Covid-19, and still has plans to go afterwards. Sirmon is a Political Science major, with a minor in German. Recorded 1. 12. 21.
