EWING – Any questions surrounding Athan Kaliakmanis’ role for Rutgers football have been eliminated, any speculation about his job has ended.
Kaliakmanis is the Scarlet Knights’ starting quarterback. He’s not just appreciative for the chance, but ready to embrace it.
“I’m super grateful and blessed,” Kaliakmanis said. “But I haven’t arrived yet. It’s time to work, getting the guys together and doing the things that aren’t required. That’s the main focus right now, just getting ready for training camp.”
That work has already begun, but Kaliakmanis and about 40 of his teammates on Friday night took a break to volunteer at the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games at The College of New Jersey, an annual event for Rutgers football.
About 40 more players will volunteer across Saturday and Sunday.
Rutgers football quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis signs autographs while volunteering at the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games at The College of New Jersey in Ewing on Friday, June 7, 2024.
Left tackle Hollin Pierce said it’s something he looks forward to every year.
“I’m truly grateful,” Pierce said. “I’ve been coming here since my sophomore year. It’s just an awesome experience. All the guys on the team, we all love it. It’s amazing.”
Pierce and his teammates spent time before Friday night’s opening ceremonies talking to participants and signing autographs.
“This is one of the blessings about football, being able to do things like this,” Kaliakmanis said. “In this program, Chop4Change is something that’s extremely important. Being here, you see bonding with the guys, being with the kids later. This is what it’s about.”
The Minnesota transfer is one of the new faces of the program, and said he’s looking forward to participating in more community events like this.
Athan…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/athan-kaliakmanis-feels-grateful-blessed-234000735.html
Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press
Publish date : 2024-06-07 23:40:00
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