GICC's Bolton winds up career in Shrine Bowl

For most of the players, the 2008 Shrine Bowl serves as a transition.

For many, it's a chance to get ready to play college football, whether it's as a walk-on at Nebraska or as a scholarship player at lower division programs like Chadron State, Wayne State, Nebraska-Kearney, Nebraska-Omaha or Washburn.

For others, it's the end of their football career as they have elected to pursue other sports in college.

Then there are a few like Grand Island Central Catholic graduate Sam Bolton.

When the final whistle sounds at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, the athletic career of the 6-foot, 195-pound fullback/linebacker will be over.

Bolton is happy that this experience is how his sports highlight reel will end.

"It feels great to know that you are part of something big," he said. "We're able to help the Shriners Hospital."

Not being involved in athletics will be a change for Bolton, who lettered all four years in football, basketball and track for the Crusaders.

On the football field, he was a physical presence on both sides of the ball who helped GICC qualify for the playoffs for the past three season.

A member of The Independent's All-Heartland Super Squad first team defense as a senior, Bolton had 90 tackles with six for losses. From his fullback position he added 275 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

While hoping to get to experience the Shrine Bowl, Bolton didn't expect it to happen for him.

"It was always in the back of my mind, but when I found out I was selected I was surprised," he said.

Up next for Bolton is the University of Kansas, where he will major in chemical engineering.

But before that experience starts, he hopes to make the most of his final time on the football field.

"I hope to play well and win the game," Bolton said.

E-mail Dale Miller