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From Friday Night Lights to late study nights, 2 McGuire teens earn college scholarships

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Michael Hogg
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, NJ. --  Long before the NFL draft and College football Saturday comes Friday night lights -- high school football. 

For many young men, Fridays in the fall are a time when boys become men, and all is laid on the line for pride and respect between schools. For two Team McGuire family members, it is much more. 

For Jake Pates, son of Master Sgt. Tim Pates, 305th Operations Group, and Troy Richards, son of Capt. Rene Richards, Naval Inventory Control Point-Philadelphia, football has secured both of them a bright future. 

Jake and Troy both earned scholarships to play football at the collegiate level. Troy will attend West Chester University in Pennsylvania as a wide receiver. Jake will attend Bryant University in Rhode Island and play quarterback. 

"I'm looking forward to the college experience. I realize that I wouldn't be here without the love and support of my family so a lot of credit goes to them. At West Chester, I'll pursue a degree in accounting while at the same time joining the storied 'Golden Rams' football team. I know it's going to be fun!" Troy said. 

Jake added, "I am extremely excited to be playing football next fall at Bryant University. It has always been my goal to play college football, and I finally will next year as a Bryant Bulldog. Not only will I be able to compete in football, I will be pursuing a great education in actuarial science. Bryant will bring together my two favorite things, football and math." 

Jake quarterbacked Northern Burlington County Regional High School in Columbus, N.J., racking up incredible statistics over three years as a varsity player. For his career, Jake went 205-351 passing, piling up 2,710 yards in the air with 25 passing touchdowns. 

"Jake has learned first hand that accomplishments in life come through hard work and perseverance," said Sergeant Pates. "The last few years of high school he chose to put all his time and energy into playing football. He began his day by waking up early and practicing his throwing with Troy before school. He would end his day on the field with an after school football practice with the rest of his team. Although he spent a great quantity of time on football, he managed to find time to study and make extraordinary grades." 

Troy, an all-purpose player, split time as a wide receiver, running back and a defensive back. As a senior, Troy led his team in touchdowns with 14. On the ground is where he was most impressive. He rushed for 915 yards on 155 carries and scored 11 of his 14 touchdowns rushing. 

"I can't express how proud I am of Troy; especially due to the substantial obstacles he's overcome to become a scholarship student-athlete at the collegiate level. He'll be a great addition to the West Chester program both on the field and in the classroom," said Captain Richards. 

It couldn't have worked out better for these two young men. Starting their journey together in the sixth grade at Challenger Elementary School at McGuire and ending their high school career together. According to Troy and Jake, they were instrumental in keeping each other motivated and working toward a common goal. 

Both of these players demonstrated the willingness to do whatever it took for the team to succeed, their fathers said. Over the course of their careers, both Jake and Troy put forth the type of superior effort that made them natural leaders of the Greyhound squad and laid the foundation for a bright future.