Will Spiers has served the Rare Disease Community for two years in a leadership position for the Clemson Chapter. He took over as the Chapter President in 2019 after attending the Uplifting Athletes Leadership Development Conference in 2018 and 2019.

“Here at Clemson, one of our main focuses outside of football is to serve others. Working with Uplifting Athletes and Lift for Life is what it’s all about. We are honored to use our platform to make a difference, serve others, and create hope for the Rare Disease Community. “

A former walk-on for the Tigers, the South Carolina native is the son of Clemson Hall of Famer Bill Spiers, who was the starting punter in 1986. Will Spiers has started 29 consecutive games, averaging 40.2 yards per punt and was an All-ACC Academic selection in 2017 and was the starting punter for the 2018 National Championship team.

Triston Fairchild took over a leadership role for the second oldest chapter in the Uplifting Athletes network. He attended the 2019 Leadership Development Conference and armed with a commitment to support the Rare Disease Community helped guide the defending Patriot League Champion Raiders to a successful 2019 Lift For Life as the Chapter President.

“Lift For Life and Uplifting Athletes exemplifies how to utilize the college football platform to create change. Colgate football is honored to be able to work with Uplifting Athletes to inspire hope for a better future within the Rare Disease Community.”

The native of Nebraska has appeared in five games the last two seasons for the Raiders as a reserve running back. Triston has six career carries and was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in 2018.

Bobby Walker spent two years as a leader of the Illinois Chapter learning the ropes of how to best serve the Rare Disease Community under the guidance of former Illini Chapter President Nick Allegretti. Walker attended the Leadership Development Conference in 2018 and 2019, has participated in Lift For Life events since 2016 and is now the President of the Illinois Chapter.

“At the University of Illinois, Uplifting Athletes and it’s Lift for Life are a tradition. Uplifting Athletes is a tremendous way for our teammates to use their platform as college athletes. We all care about what we do on the field, but the work outside of it is very important as well, which is why this event is so important to us.”

The Illinois native was a walk-on to the Illini football program and made his college football debut as a redshirt freshman in 2016. He was awarded a full scholarship in December 2017 by head coach Lovie Smith. Walker has appeared in all 24 games for the Illini the last two seasons (2017 and 2018) primarily on special teams and as a back-up tight end.

Inspired by a high school friend and teammate who was impacted by rare diseases, the linebacker from Central Pennsylvania was motivated to help the Rare Disease Community through the Davidson Wildcats football program. George is a co-founder of the Davidson Chapter, attended the Leadership Development Conference in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and helped guide the chapter through its inaugural Lift For Life in 2018 and second annual event in 2019.

“It’s been incredible to see the development and growth of our Uplifting Athletes Chapter at Davidson College. Our 2018 Lift for Life was a huge success and it was truly a testament to the players, coaches, and athletic department that bought into the organization and our chapter’s goals. We were excited to again use our platform during our second Lift for Life to raise money and awareness for the Rare Disease Community. We are extremely proud to be a part of Davidson’s Chapter and we can’t thank the Uplifting Athletes organization enough for their continuous support and guidance.”

George hails from Lower Dauphin High School just outside Hershey, Pa. The former National Honor Society member and high school football Academic All-State selection is majoring in economics and each of the last two years has been named to the Pioneer Football League Academic honor roll. In three seasons as a linebacker for the Wildcats, George has played in 31 games with 21 starts. He’s registered more than 150 tackles in those 31 games, with 7 tackles for loss and a trio of interceptions.

Sean Christie took over the Maryland Chapter at the start of 2019 because he felt a strong commitment to giving back and helping others. He attended the Leadership Development Conference in January and made a commitment to hold a Lift For Life again in 2019 after the Terrapins did not hold an Uplifting Athletes event in 2018. Sean is the Chapter President and proud of the history behind the Maryland Chapter.

A redshirt senior from Medford, N.Y., Sean has started all 12 games each of the last two seasons for the Terrapins at left guard and his projected to be the starter at the same position for the 2019 season. Entering his final season, the sociology major has seen action in nearly 40 games for Maryland on offense and special teams.

Thomas Ruocchio has been part of the leadership team for the NC State Chapter since he was a freshman. He attended the Leadership Development Conference in 2017, 2018 and 2019. He worked his way up, learning the ropes of running an Uplifting Athletes Chapter, and is now the NC State Chapter President. He has a passion for the Rare Disease Community and has been instrumental in NC State participating in Lift For Life, Touchdown Pledge Drive and landing NFL prospects to be part of Reps For Rare Diseases.

 A native of Raleigh, NC who graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School, Thomas was a walk-on tight end for the Wolfpack. He saw his first collegiate snaps in 2017 as a redshirt freshman and last season played all 13 games on special teams and saw action in three games as a tight end. Just prior to the 2019 season, Thomas was put on full scholarship at NC State.

Peter Snodgrass has been inspiring the Rare Disease Community for more than two years in a leadership role for the Northwestern Chapter and is now the Chapter President. Peter has been instrumental is continuing a strong tradition of outstanding football student-athlete leaders for the Wildcats. He attended the Leadership Development Conference in 2018 and 2019, learning to become a stronger voice and inspiration to the Rare Disease Community.

“Uplifting Athletes is the first time I have been able to use my voice as a student-athlete to help others. Watching my brothers rally around the Rare Disease Community is truly THE most inspiring experience I have had at Northwestern. As a leader of our chapter, I have seen first hand the value that my teammates and I can give to the Rare Disease Community.”

A native of Palo Alto, California, Peter was a four-year captain during his high school years and played linebacker, center and long snapper. The redshirt sophomore is a long snapper for the Wildcats and looking for his initial snaps as Big Ten player. The former Eagle Scout and President’s Gold Award honoree for community service has a heart for giving back and is an economics major.

SOPHOMORE SEASON (2017)

• Practiced for the Irish but did not participate in games
• Helped the Notre Dame defensive scout team during game preparation

FRESHMAN SEASON (2016)

• Did not see any game action during the season
• Helped the Notre Dame defensive scout team during game preparation

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA

• 2015 First Team All-Eastern Kansas League
• 2015 Kpreps Class 5A All-Kansas Team
• Registered 56 tackles, six for loss, three interceptions and 14 PBUs as a senior in 2015
• 2014 Kpreps Class 5A All-Kansas Team
• Registered 74.5 tackles, two for loss, five interceptions and 23 PBUs as a junior in 2014
• Enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business, majoring in finance with a double minor in collaborative innovation and innovation and entrepreneurship

Michael Rolfe moved into a leadership role with the Quakers Chapter after his junior season. He attended the 2019 Leadership Development Conference and took over as the Penn Chapter President. He was pivotal in helping get Lift For Life and Penn’s Iron Quaker paired up again as a single event. The Penn Chapter had a very successful Lift For Life in February 2019.

“Being able to pair the Iron Quaker with the Lift for Life is extremely important for our football team. It gives us the opportunity to use our platform as Division 1 student-athletes to help those who are affected by rare diseases”

Michael hails from Scarsdale, New York and has played in 18 games for Penn the last two seasons on special teams and linebacker. The senior registered tackles in four games in 2018. He was an all-state selection coming out of high school and guided Scarsdale to its only two program playoff victories as a team captain.

Sean Clifford takes over as the Penn State Chapter President and becomes the second Nittany Lions quarterback in the last five years to serve as the PSU Chapter President following in the footsteps of recently graduated QB Trace McSorley. Sean has a passion for the Rare Disease Community and attended the Uplifting Athletes Leadership Development Conference in 2018 and 2019 and spent two years in a chapter leadership role.

“It has been a privilege to be a small part of such a big impact in many families lives. Penn State is driven to help the Rare Disease Community because we know how important this cause is, and we see the significance in the bigger picture.”

Sean was born in Illinois but hails from Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the son of Kelly Burke and John Clifford and his younger brother, Liam, recently received a scholarship offer from Penn State. The business major also enjoys coaching young quarterbacks, playing golf and shooting hoops. A two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Sean owns the Penn State record for longest pass play and play from scrimmage after he connected with Daniel George on a 95-yard TD strike in 2018 against Kent State.

2018 • REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON

Did not see any game action.

2017 • TRUE FRESHMAN SEASON

Redshirt Season.

HIGH SCHOOL

A three-time letterwinner for head coach Ryan Wiggins at St. Francis DeSales High School...Helped the Stallions to a 31-9 record in his career...Two-time Prokicker.com All-America long snapper selection as a junior and senior...Also lettered in lacrosse four times, hockey three times and basketball once...Was a three-time academic all-conference choice for hockey...Named third-team all-state as an attackman for lacrosse as a senior...Earned all-region distinction three times for lacrosse, including first team accolades as a junior and senior.

PERSONAL

Full name is Christopher Michael Stoll...Son of Kelly and Ken Stoll...Has one sister, Jordan...Father, Ken, played football at Wittenberg University...Sister, Jordan, participated in track & field at Otterbein University...Hobbies include video games, reading and sleeping...Intends on majoring in kinesiology with plans to become a physical therapist...Born August 3, 1998 in Columbus, Ohio.

Luke Aschenbrand is a sophomore from Arizona who attended the Leadership Development Conference in 2019 and immediately wanted to become heavily involved in using his platform to support the cause. So Luke took over as the President of the Princeton Chapter and guided the Tigers through Lift For Life in 2019.

“Uplifting Athletes has given me a humbling and incredible opportunity to help give back to the community. Meeting rare disease patients who appreciate the effort we put in and are thankful for the outreach of their message makes what I do worth it.”

A two-sport athlete coming out of high school, Luke played multiple positions on both sides of the ball for his high school team and is projected to be an offensive lineman at Princeton. He was part of the 2018 Ivy League Championship team as a freshman.

Nick Rinella has been involved with Saint Francis Chapter for three years. He attended the Leadership Development Conference in 2018 to learn the ropes as a chapter leader and came to the conference again in 2019 as the new Chapter President. He has a passion for the Rare Disease Community and has worked hard on his campus to get other sports involved in the cause to raise awareness.

“It is an honor to be able to use our platform to help raise awareness and support the Rare Disease Community through Uplifting Athletes. We are all proud to be part of a team that is working so hard to tackle rare diseases.”

A diverse athlete coming out of high school in suburban Philadelphia, Nick has played a role for the Red Flash since he walked on campus in 2016 - playing in all 33 games the last three years. The last two seasons he has been an All-NEC selection as a return specialist and in 2018 he also earned All-NEC honors as a safety. 

Zach Lucas participated in the Stony Brook Chapter Lift For Life before joining the leadership team in 2018. He learned the details behind running a chapter and the importance of the Rare Disease Community to the SeaWolves’ football program. He took over as the Chapter President in 2019 and attended the Leadership Development Conference in January of 2019 before overseeing the Stony Brook Chapter Lift For Life.

The New Jersey native has played in 22 games the past two seasons primarily on special teams. In 2018 he also saw action at tight end where he registered his first collegiate catch against Towson on October 6 and finished the year with a pair of grabs for 25 yards. In the spring of 2018, Zach was named the CAA Academic Honor Roll.

Sam Heckel continues a tradition of strong leadership at the top for the Syracuse Chapter. He knew as soon as he arrived on campus he wanted to be involved in Uplifting Athletes. That’s because Sam knows and understands the Rare Disease Community intimately. He is a rare disease patient. Sam has congenital TTP, a rare blood disorder that requires him to undergo plasmatherapy every three weeks. He nearly lost his life to his rare blood disorder at one point and now understands the platform he’s been afforded as an athlete allows him to use his voice to serve others and give back. Sam attended the Leadership Development Conference in 2018 and 2019. He has been the Syracuse Chapter President the last two years, guiding the Orange through a pair of Lift For Life events.

“The Rare Disease Community has a special place in my heart. Syracuse football and its chapter of Uplifting Athletes is excited to raise awareness and funding for the Rare Disease Community.”

The redshirt junior native of Wisconsin appeared in all 25 games as an offensive lineman for the Orange in 2017 and 2018 with 13 starts. He was a full-time starter in 2017 as a guard and led Syracuse that year in knockdown blocks. Last year he was the “sixth man” up front and appeared in all 13 games at center or guard and made one start.

Justin Tranquill attended the 2018 Leadership Development Conference and was instrumental, along with teammate Jamauri Bogan, in helping co-found the Western Michigan Chapter. He ascended to the role of Chapter President following the 2018 football season and after more than 18 months of hard work that saw the WMU Chapter hold a Rare Disease Awareness Game and participate in Touchdown Pledge Drive in 2018, the Broncos held their inaugural Lift For Life in the late spring of 2019.

“Lift for Life and Uplifting Athletes has broadened our sense of purpose beyond football here at Western. We realize that we have an opportunity to be a voice for those who do not have one. Our program is thankful to have a small part in inspiring hope within the Rare Disease Community”

A standout four-star prospect coming out of high school with several Power 5 Conference offers, Justin made his first impact for WMU as a redshirt freshman in 2016 when he started all 14 games and made 89 tackles from his safety position. In 2017 he started two games before suffering a season-ending injury against Michigan State. Justin returned to his starting role in 2018, making 12 starts, and finished third on the team in tackles with 89 and recorded his first career interception. He is a two-time Academic All-MAC selection.

Jack Maddox became a chapter leader at Clemson following the 2018 season. He took over the role of Vice President for the Clemson Chapter and assisted in landing NFL prospects to be part of Reps For Rare Diseases 2019 and helped oversee the Tigers’ Lift For Life in the summer. Jack attended the Leadership Development Conference in January of 2019 and is making sure the defending National Champions use their platform as college football student athletes to serve and inspire hope in the Rare Disease Community.

A native of Acton, Mass., Jack is a redshirt sophomore long snapper for the Tigers who made his collegiate debut against NC State in 2018 and also appeared in the game against Louisville. He is majoring in political science and is a two-time ACC Honor Roll selection.

AS a RS - SOPHOMORE (2018):  
•    Had his first ... and second ... career catch in the win at Louisville.
•    A vital part of the Wolfpack’s run game.
•    Missed the first two games of the season with an injury.  
•    The Pack averaged just 99 rushing yards per game while he was out, 151 when he was back in the lineup.
•    Co-recipient of the team’s Bo Rein Award, given to the player who provides vital contribution in an unsung role.
 
As a RS - FRESHMAN (2017):  
•    Saw action in every game of the season, he was key to the Pack’s run game, primarily in short yardage and goal line situations.
•    Underwent shoulder surgery and missed 2018 spring practice.
 
As a FRESHMAN (2016):  
•    Redshirted the season at tight end.
 
IN HIGH SCHOOL:  
•    Enrolled at NC State in the spring of 2016.
•    Played tight end at North Paulding High School for coach Scott Jones where he helped lead his squad to the Georgia 6A state playoffs.
•    Senior Stats:  41 catches for 407 yards and five scores.
•    Junior Stats: Caught 32 passes for 470 yards and seven touchdowns.
*    Rankings:  No. 55 tight end in the nation by scout.com.  No. 74 player in Georgia by rivals.com.
 
Personal:
•    Also played basketball, he averaged 15 points as a junior.
•    Named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll each of the past two years.
•    Major:  Sport management.

AUTENRIETH Career Bests
Plays......................57.......................FSU (2018)
Receptions..............2................Louisville (2018)
Rec. Yards.............27...............Louisville (2018)

Joe Detorie participated in several Seawolves Lift For Life events before stepping forward and taking a leadership role for the Stony Brook Chapter in 2018. He attended the Leadership Development Conference in January of 2019 as the chapter Vice President and played an instrumental role in Stony Brook holding another successful Lift For Life to inspire and support the Rare Disease Community.

Hailing from Fallston, Md., Joe is a redshirt senior offensive lineman who has appeared in 26 games heading into the 2019 season. Over the previous two seasons, 2017 and 2018, he made 22 starts at center for the Seawovles and is instrumental in their success as on offense built on a strong running game. 

2018: Played in five games, registering five tackles • Made a solo stop at Marist (10/20) • Had a tackle in the season-ending win over Butler (11/17) • Named to the PFL Academic Honor Roll.

2017: Named to the PFL Academic Honor Roll • Appeared in two games before suffering a season-ending injury • Made four total tackles in a 30-7 victory over Brevard (9/2).

2016: Appeared in six games, recording 12 tackles and one interception • Made a season-high five tackles, four solo, against Jacksonville (10/29) • Had three total tackles at Marist (10/22) • Picked off a pass and returned it 12 yards in a 38-12 win over Livingstone (9/17).

Prep Years: Four-year letterwinner • Second Team All-Region • Two-time Gwinnett County Touchdown Player of the Month • National Honor Society • All-Region Academic Team  • Majoring in economics.

When the FSU program went through a transition of leadership, DeCalon Brooks stepped forward and took a leadership role in helping Uplifting Athletes remain a part of the Seminoles’ program. The Tampa native attended the 2019 Leadership Development Conference and was inspired by the rare disease cause and the programming to make something happen. This summer Florida State held a Lift For Life after a one-year absence on the calendar and Brooks, the President of the FSU Chapter, played an instrumental role in making the event to support the Rare Disease Community happen.

Lift for life and Uplifting Athletes are a special part of Florida State Football. We are all about helping out those who are in need and kids that aren’t able to do the things that they desire. My teammates and I are proud to team up with Uplifting Athletes. We find it very fulfilling to raise money for research towards rare diseases. We are proud to help and be a part of tackling rare diseases.”

Brooks followed in the footsteps of his father, NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, by choosing Florida State. And the redshirt sophomore is making his mark. In 2018 as a redshirt freshman he played in 11 games with seven starts, recorded 46 tackles including three tackles for a loss and one sack.

Joe Spivak joined the leadership team at Northwestern in 2018 and has moved into a leadership role for 2019, serving as the chapter Vice President. Joe attended the 2019 Leadership Development Conference and became passionate about the rare disease cause. He helped guide the Northwestern Chapter to a successful 2019 Lift For Life.

”I love football... but even more than that, I love the relationships that football has brought into my life. I believe that Uplifting Athletes is extending these unbreakable bonds into a community that needs them more than ever,” Northwestern Chapter Vice President Joe Spivak said. “I think most of the guys all agree that the money we raise is awesome, but to be able to serve as an example and extension of FAMILY to these families is what is really awesome! Uplifting Athletes brings us all together on the same team.”

The junior defensive tackle was one of 12 first-year players to see action for the Wildcats in 2017. As a true freshman he appeared in a handful of games as a back-up along the defensive line. In 2018 as a sophomore he appeared in 10 games for the Big Ten West Champions and was an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Career Overview: Fourth-year placekicker and punter ... Carved out an important role in 2018 as holder for record-setting kicker Ande Szmyt … Joined the team during 2016 preseason camp … Member of the Syracuse Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in 2017-18 ... Chief operating officer for the Syracuse chapter of Uplifting Athletes … Four-time member of the SU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and two-time ACC Honor Roll selection ... Redshirted in 2016 ... One letter.

Sophomore Year (2018): Appeared in every game as the holder for PATs and field goals ... Reliable ball spotter for All-America kicker and Lou Groza Award winner Andre Szmyt, who led the nation in field goals (30) and did not miss an extra point (61-61).

Freshman Year (2017): Did not play in any games ... ACC Honor Roll selection … Member of the SU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll both semesters.

2016: Redshirt season ... ACC Honor Roll selection … Member of the SU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll both semesters.

Prep School: Spent the 2015 season at Bridgton Academy in Maine ... Punter and kicker for head coach Juwan Jackson.

High School: Three-sport standout in baseball, soccer and basketball ... Rated the top prospect at the Ray Guy Prokicker.com 2014 regional combine in Boston ... Batted .400 as a senior catcher to help the East Greenwich baseball team to a 12-6 record against Division I competition.

Personal: Nolan Joseph Cooney ... Born in September 1996 in Summit, N.J. ... Son of Joseph and Janice Cooney ... Mother, Janice, attended Syracuse University ... One sister ... Sport management major.

Hunter Hayes moved into a leadership role with the Quakers Chapter after his junior season. He attended the 2019 Leadership Development Conference and took over as the Penn Chapter Vice President. He was pivotal in helping get Lift For Life and Penn’s Iron Quaker paired up again as a single event. The Penn Chapter had a very successful Lift For Life in February 2019. 

“Being able to pair the Iron Quaker with the Lift for Life is extremely important for our football team. It gives us the opportunity to use our platform as Division 1 student-athletes to help those who are affected by rare diseases”

The Pennsylvania native and two-time high school state champion from South Fayette High School has appeared in 10 games each of the last two seasons. In 2018 he saw action at linebacker and on special teams, finishing 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Brock Wright joined the leadership team at Notre Dame after participating in the 2018 Lift For Life event. The native of Texas attended the 2019 Leadership Development Conference and serves as a Notre Dame Chapter Vice President and helped guide the Fighting Irish through their annual Uplifting Experience Bowling Event with rare disease patients, siblings and caregivers and the second Lift For Life at Notre Dame.

“Uplifting Athletes is an incredible opportunity for us to use our platform as college athletes to raise awareness for a great cause. It is very special for our program to be able to work with an organization that can make an impact in the fight against rare diseases. The Lift for Life and Uplifting Experience Bowling Event gives us a chance to contribute to this fight.”

Enrolled at Notre Dame as one of the top tight recruits in the country from the 2017 recruiting class. Played right away as a true freshman after enrolling early, appearing in 11 games primarily on special teams. During the 2018 run to the College Football Playoffs, Wright appeared in 12 games and notched his first career touchdown reception.

Drew White participated in the inaugural Notre Dame Chapter Lift For Life in 2018 and was inspired to take on a bigger role for the Fighting Irish Chapter. He volunteered to become a Chapter Leader and after attending the Leadership Development Conference in January, Joe was motivated by the rare disease cause and wanted to make a difference. He was instrumental in Notre Dame’s record-break Lift For Life in 2019 and is inspired to use his platform to give a voice to the Rare Disease Community.

A marquee linebacker recruit from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Boca Raton, FL, Drew spent his freshman year on the scout team before appearing in four games as a sophomore and totaling eight tackles in 2018. As Notre Dame embarks on the 2019 season, White is a projected starter at linebacker.

Zaire Barnes is the second wave of leaders for Western Michigan Chapter after co-founders Jamauri Bogan and Justin Tranquill move on. He joined the leadership team at WMU after his 2018 freshman season and attended the Leadership Development Conference. Holding a Lift For Life is an important big step for a new chapter, and Zaire served as chapter Vice President when the Western Michigan Chapter held its inaugural signature event to inspire the Rare Disease Community with hope.

A native of Illinois, Zaire appeared in all 13 games for the Broncos as a true freshman in 2018. He made his collegiate debut against Syracuse and recorded his first tackle on the road in The Big House against Michigan. The safety finished with 15 tackles his first year and projects as an impact player for WMU for several more years.

Antwan Dixon was a finalist for the 11th Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Award and as a rare disease patient with the rare blood disorder aplastic anemia, Antwan was inspired to use his platform as a college football student-athlete to give back to others in the Rare Disease Community. Antwan attended the Uplifting Athletes Leadership Development Conference early in 2019 and worked with his teammates and university football support staff to launch the Kent State Chapter. As the Kent State Chapter President, Antwan and his Golden Flashes teammates held their inaugural Lift For Life in July, 2019.

“Having the opportunity to give back to others as a member of the Rare Disease Community myself is very important to me. Also, having my teammates and coaches being all in so that we can raise money for raise disease patients is such a blessing. We are all proud to be part of a team that is working so hard to Tackle Rare Diseases.”

Antwan is a native of South Fort Myers, Fla. and played as a true freshman in 2015, registering 26 catches for 355 yards. He scored a touchdown in his very first collegiate game. He missed the next two seasons during his long and difficult battle with aplastic anemia, but returned to the field after a 36-month absence in 2018 and appeared in all 12 games with seven starts. He was second on the team in catches, receiving yards and caught a touchdown pass in his first game back against Illinois. Antwan was recognized as the 2018 Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year and the Columbus Touchdown Club Male Athlete of the Year.

Jamal Parker was inspired by his teammate and friend, Antwan Dixon, to help Kent State launch an Uplifting Athletes Chapter. Antwan endured a long battle with his rare blood disorder, aplastic anemia, and returned to the field after a 36-month absence. That was enough for Jamal to take on a leadership role and join Antwan in serving the rest of the Rare Disease Community by lending another voice of support at Kent State. He is the chapter Vice President and co-founder and attended the 2019 Leadership Development Conference.

Jamal has been an impact player in the defensive backfield from the moment he stepped on campus. The New Jersey native appeared in all 12 games with seven starts as a freshman in 2016 and entering his final season in 2019 he’s made more than 150 tackles with six interceptions from his cornerback position. He already has appeared in 35 games for Kent State with 28 of those being starts.

In the early stages of possibly starting an Uplifting Athletes Chapter at Lehigh, Jorge Portorreal was one of the players in the team room that stepped forward and said he was inspired by the cause of serving the Rare Disease Community and is willing to volunteer for a leadership role. He attended the 2018 Leadership Development Conference to gain more knowledge and along with his fellow leaders worked hard in stages to put the necessary pieces in place to fully launch a chapter at Lehigh. Earlier in 2019, after participating in Touchdown Pledge Drive 2018, Lehigh held its inaugural Lift For Life and it was very successful for a first-year signature fundraising and awareness event. Jorge has two years of eligibility remaining and is the Lehigh Chapter President.

The native of New Jersey has been an impact wide receiver for Lehigh his first two seasons. He started seven games as a freshman in 2017 and in 2018 the finance major led Mountain Hawks in receiving with 55 catches for nearly 800 yards with three touchdowns. He was named First Team All-Patriot League following the 2018 season.

Divine Buckrham was in a similar position to Lehigh Chapter President Jorge Portorreal. He was a young player who is having an impact on the field, but he was looking to use that platform to have an impact off the field. He volunteered to become a leader and co-founder of the Lehigh Chapter in the infancy stages, attended the Leadership Development Conference in 2018 and as the chapter Vice President was instrumental in Lehigh holding its inaugural Lift For Life to support the Rare Disease Community in 2019.

From Queens in New York City, Divine has been instrumental player for the Mountain Hawks since he first set foot on campus as a health, medicine and society major. As a freshman in 2017 he appeared in all 12 games including seven starts. Last season he appeared in 11 games with eight starts and late in the year was moved from rover defensive back to corner and finished strong. He has 60 career tackles and is projected to be a starter in the secondary for the 2019 season.

Jonah Isaac stepped forward as a leader when Fordham wanted to re-engage and once again be an active Uplifting Athletes Chapter. The football program already had a rich history of supporting the Rare Disease Community dating back to 2011. Jonah volunteered to serve in the role of Vice President and in 2018 the Fordham Chapter was back on the Lift For Life calendar. He attended the Leadership Development Conference in 2019.

A senior wide receiver who hails from Illinois, Jonah has appeared in 20 games over his first three seasons in back-up role. He has four career receptions and is a strong candidate to be a potential starter in 2019. Jonah was a 2018 Patriot League Academic Honor Roll selection.

Deondre Carter stepped forward as a leader when Fordham wanted to re-engage and once again be an active Uplifting Athletes Chapter. The football program already had a rich history of supporting the Rare Disease Community dating back to 2011. Deondre volunteered to serve in the role of chapter President and in 2018 the Fordham Chapter was back on the Lift For Life calendar. He attended the Leadership Development Conference in 2019.

The junior defensive end from Texas has been an impact player from the moment he arrived on campus by appearing in 11 games and recording 25 tackles at a freshman in 2017. The two-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll honoree moved into a starting role the second half of the 2018 season and finished with 33 tackles, 3.0 tackles for a loss and one sack. 

Paul Olivett is a graduate of State College High School, home of Penn State University. He was familiar with Uplifting Athletes through the Penn State Chapter and its Lift For Life event and wanted to use his platform as a college football player to make a difference at Marist. So the redshirt freshman contacted the Uplifting Athletes staff early in 2019 and worked hard to launch the Marist Chapter and in early May of that year the Red Foxes held their inaugural Lift For Life.

“Starting an Uplifting Athletes chapter at Marist is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up on. I’ve always wanted to get involved in the community and help those who need it and with Uplifting Athletes I believe that’s possible. Using the platform of Uplifting Athletes and the Marist Football team I hope we are able to continue the goal of spreading awareness and support for rare diseases. On behalf of Marist and the football team we cannot thank Uplifting Athletes enough and look forward to being apart of the many college teams tackling rare diseases.”

A redshirt freshman who will play safety after a standout high school career, Paul is looking for his first snaps at the college level. He was selected to the Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll in 2018.

Jaylon Banks is a redshirt sophomore quarterback who helped Eastern Illinois launch an Uplifting Athletes Chapter at rapid-fire pace in 2019. EIU held its inaugural Lift For Life in 2019 and the value of the signature event and the rare disease cause inspired Jaylon to step forward and assume the role of Chapter President. He knows as the quarterback he is already in a high-profile position, and he wants to use that platform to help inspire the Rare Disease Community off the field.

The native of Illinois set record at Oswego East High School his senior season and after a redshirt year in 2017, Jaylon appeared in two games as a redshirt freshman in 2018. He made his collegiate debut against Tennessee Tech. Jaylon is not projected to be the quarterback in 2019, but he will play at a variety of positions on offense because he is a weapon and asset who needs to be on the field.