BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- Recruiting Station Twin Cities' executive officer presented two local athletes with an Excellence in Leadership Award at the Minneapolis Diamond Flight Camp July 22.
Junior Rank coaches selected Anastacio VandenBosch-Romo and D'Tavius Williams to receive the award as both players displayed great character and leadership throughout the camp.
"From the opening warm-ups [Romo] was a vocal leader and never showed a sign he was tired," wrote Terry Schilling, coordinator for Minneapolis' Diamond Flight Camp. "His work ethic was one of the best in the camp."
Schilling also wrote that Romo "looks to be a contributor on the offensive side of the ball" and expects "two very productive years" before he completes his high school football career.
"I was surprised when they called my name," said Romo, a 16-year-old junior attending Henry Sibley High School this fall. "Being able to get in front of that caliber of coaching staff is a rare opportunity, so I was just hoping they'd notice my efforts."
Williams, 15, will be a sophomore at Minneapolis' Southwest High School.
"He already has all the tools to be a top linebacker in his conference and probably the state," Schilling wrote. "He will get plenty of offers when as gets to the tail end of his high school career."
Following the awards ceremony, both players thanked the Marines and coaching staff for allowing them to capitalize on the opportunity they received.
“This camp let me compete, succeed and achieve things bigger than myself,” Williams said. “I look forward to being a key contributor for the program I play for this year.”
The two-day event was one of 20 that will take place in cities across the country.
"The Semper Fidelis Football Program is an extension of the Marine Corps' commitment to developing quality citizens and serving our communities," said Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commanding general for Marine Corps Recruiting Command. "The camps provide a tremendous opportunity for Marines to connect with today's youth and share with them the Marine Corps' values of honor, courage and commitment;demonstrating their relevance to success both on and off the field."
For additional imagery from the Minneapolis Diamond Flight Camp, visit www.facebook.com/rstwincities.