- November 23, 2024
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Behind every great product, there’s an even better marketing team.
It’s true for food, technology, products, etc. And it’s true for humans, too.
At Matanzas High School, that great product is Damon Hayden, a cornerback on the football team. Behind him is his great marketing team: his father, Lorenzo McQueen.
McQueen’s target audience: college football programs.
Hayden was a three-year varsity player under former coach Keith Lagocki. He spent his entire Pirates career as a cornerback.
He took after his dad.
Hayden began playing football in pads in third grade. In his senior season, he led the team with four interceptions and was one of the top tacklers.
Hayden has done all of the work on the field, and now his dad is doing the work to help him stay on the field upon graduating high school in the spring.
Currently, McQueen said his son is being recruited by about 17 colleges — which range from Division I to Division III and NAIA.
But simply getting a scholarship and playing at the next level is the focus.
“It would mean everything,” McQueen said Wednesday, in regard to his son getting a scholarship and playing college football. “We come from a family of football players. ... With a little effort from the outside world and a lot of effort from an individual on the football field, the sky is the limit.”
In the process of helping Hayden get looks from college programs, McQueen came across American Football Worldwide, an American-based football team comprising high school players who travel overseas for one week. The program is led by Jim Barnes, a Division III football coach.
After submitting game film, Hayden was selected to the team — which takes just two players per position.
The trip will take place in March 2013, and Team Stars and Stripes will compete against France. The trip will also include site-seeing and historical tours.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Hayden, and McQueen knows it.
The largest hurdle, however, is paying for the trip, which costs $3,645. So far, McQueen has raised about $1,100. They have until Dec. 20 to raise the remainder of the funds.
If you’d like to make a donation, email [email protected]. All donations are tax-deductible.
Although Hayden isn’t expected to decide on a college until the spring, McQueen said this is another opportunity for his son to get exposed.
“We’re going to get it,” he said, of the money. “There’s no failure in me, and I’ve pretty much instilled that in (Hayden) as well.”
It’s just one father helping his son pursue a lifelong dream. A dream they both share.
Dreams do come true.
Hayden would be the first on his father’s side to play collegiate sports on a scholarship, which he said shows dedication.
“(Dedication) is something that, as a dad, I’d be extremely proud of,” he said. “I just want the hat, the sweatshirt and a diploma at the end of it.”
