Eastern Michigan Athletics
Football Surprises Zack Conti with a Life-Changing Gift
8/3/2023 1:24:00 PM | Football
The Trenton, Mich., native earned a scholarship thanks to his teammate, Brian Dooley
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University football team had just wrapped up the first day of its highly anticipated 2023 fall camp Monday, Aug. 3. As the team meeting inside the Student-Athlete Performance Center drew to a close, little did senior offensive lineman Zack Conti (Trenton, Mich./Trenton) know that this day would mark a turning point in his life. Head Coach Chris Creighton had one last surprise up his sleeve, and it was about to make a profound impact on one deserving player.
Conti has been a dedicated and hardworking member of the Eastern Eagles football team for four years playing in a combined 23 games in 2021 and 2022. Throughout his college journey, he persevered with remarkable determination, paying his own way through school without the support of a scholarship. It was a testament to his love for the game and his unyielding commitment to his education.
Creighton, aware of Conti's financial struggles, had long wished to secure a scholarship for him.
"We're at 85 scholarships; we have 85 given out, and no matter how many times or how many years I go to the NCAA and say, 'Yeah, but man, I'm just telling you we need 86. We need 86,'" Creighton passionately explained the limitations of the NCAA's scholarship rules, making it seemingly impossible to extend that golden opportunity to Conti.
However, as fate would have it, the universe had a different plan in mind. The unexpected turn of events began when fellow senior teammate Brian Dooley (Bowling Green, Ohio/Toledo St. John's Jesuit) walked into Coach Creighton's office with a life-changing proposition. "Coach, that guy has earned it," Dooley passionately asserted, referring to his teammate, Conti. "I've talked this over with my family, and if there's a way to make this happen, I'm willing to give up my scholarship and give it to Zack."
Creighton was left stunned and moved by Dooley's remarkable act of selflessness. The 10th-year EMU leader has been in the world of college football for decades, but he admitted, "I've never heard, I've never seen anything like that ever before." The unwavering camaraderie and the deep sense of brotherhood displayed by Dooley touched the core of everyone present.
With the decision made, the stage was set for an unforgettable moment during the team meeting. As teammates watched, Dooley showcased his selfless act by handing Conti a letter in the team's meeting room with the life-changing surprise that he was now on a full scholarship for his senior year.
The room erupted into thunderous applause and cheers, and the heartfelt emotions were palpable. Conti's face lit up with disbelief and gratitude as he embraced his fellow lineman.
When later asked why he did it? Dooley replied "I did it because I've seen Conti grow over the years. Seeing him walk away from something that he loves did not sit well with me. He works hard and gets extra work with me all the time. In my eyes he earned it 100%, giving up my scholarship so he can stay and play means everything. I'm proud of what he has become and cannot wait to see what he does on the field."
The selfless act by Dooley served as a powerful reminder of the bond that forms within a team and the profound impact that one person's generosity can have on another's life. For EMU football, this day marked not just a surprise scholarship but also a pivotal moment that exemplified the true essence of college football and the lessons it imparts beyond the field. The story of Zack Conti and Brian Dooley will resonate for years to come, standing as a beacon of sportsmanship and selflessness.
As the 2023 fall camp continues, the Eastern Michigan football program embarks on a new season with an unwavering sense of unity and support. They know that they are not just a team but a family that uplifts and empowers each other, on and off the field. This heartwarming tale reminds us all that it is not just about winning games, but about making a difference in the lives of those around us, one small act of kindness at a time.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University football team had just wrapped up the first day of its highly anticipated 2023 fall camp Monday, Aug. 3. As the team meeting inside the Student-Athlete Performance Center drew to a close, little did senior offensive lineman Zack Conti (Trenton, Mich./Trenton) know that this day would mark a turning point in his life. Head Coach Chris Creighton had one last surprise up his sleeve, and it was about to make a profound impact on one deserving player.
Conti has been a dedicated and hardworking member of the Eastern Eagles football team for four years playing in a combined 23 games in 2021 and 2022. Throughout his college journey, he persevered with remarkable determination, paying his own way through school without the support of a scholarship. It was a testament to his love for the game and his unyielding commitment to his education.
Creighton, aware of Conti's financial struggles, had long wished to secure a scholarship for him.
"We're at 85 scholarships; we have 85 given out, and no matter how many times or how many years I go to the NCAA and say, 'Yeah, but man, I'm just telling you we need 86. We need 86,'" Creighton passionately explained the limitations of the NCAA's scholarship rules, making it seemingly impossible to extend that golden opportunity to Conti.
However, as fate would have it, the universe had a different plan in mind. The unexpected turn of events began when fellow senior teammate Brian Dooley (Bowling Green, Ohio/Toledo St. John's Jesuit) walked into Coach Creighton's office with a life-changing proposition. "Coach, that guy has earned it," Dooley passionately asserted, referring to his teammate, Conti. "I've talked this over with my family, and if there's a way to make this happen, I'm willing to give up my scholarship and give it to Zack."
Creighton was left stunned and moved by Dooley's remarkable act of selflessness. The 10th-year EMU leader has been in the world of college football for decades, but he admitted, "I've never heard, I've never seen anything like that ever before." The unwavering camaraderie and the deep sense of brotherhood displayed by Dooley touched the core of everyone present.
With the decision made, the stage was set for an unforgettable moment during the team meeting. As teammates watched, Dooley showcased his selfless act by handing Conti a letter in the team's meeting room with the life-changing surprise that he was now on a full scholarship for his senior year.
The room erupted into thunderous applause and cheers, and the heartfelt emotions were palpable. Conti's face lit up with disbelief and gratitude as he embraced his fellow lineman.
When later asked why he did it? Dooley replied "I did it because I've seen Conti grow over the years. Seeing him walk away from something that he loves did not sit well with me. He works hard and gets extra work with me all the time. In my eyes he earned it 100%, giving up my scholarship so he can stay and play means everything. I'm proud of what he has become and cannot wait to see what he does on the field."
The selfless act by Dooley served as a powerful reminder of the bond that forms within a team and the profound impact that one person's generosity can have on another's life. For EMU football, this day marked not just a surprise scholarship but also a pivotal moment that exemplified the true essence of college football and the lessons it imparts beyond the field. The story of Zack Conti and Brian Dooley will resonate for years to come, standing as a beacon of sportsmanship and selflessness.
As the 2023 fall camp continues, the Eastern Michigan football program embarks on a new season with an unwavering sense of unity and support. They know that they are not just a team but a family that uplifts and empowers each other, on and off the field. This heartwarming tale reminds us all that it is not just about winning games, but about making a difference in the lives of those around us, one small act of kindness at a time.
Season and Single-Game Tickets On Sale
Season tickets are on sale in anticipation of the fall. Eastern Michigan continues to offer the Ultimate Fan Season Ticket Plan for just $150. This package includes a wide chairback with armrests on the 50-yard line along with VIP season parking. Chairback Season Tickets are $120 and include a chairback in Reserved Sections 104-109. Reserved season tickets are just $108 (Reserved Sections 104-109), while General Admission season tickets are $84 (Sections 110-114 and the visiting side).
Tickets are on sale at EMUEagles.com/tickets, by calling 734.487.3669 or by visiting the EMU Ticket Office.
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EMUEagles.com, the official web site of Eastern Athletics, and the team's social media account, @EMUFB, will be providing coverage of the football program's spring practices with various practice reports and content posts.
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