Galesburg High School Senior, Amarie Richardson dreams of continuing his athletic career at the collegiate level. An invitation to go across the county and fly over the Pacific Ocean could help him achieve that dream.
The Streaks Running Back was invited to compete in the Hawaii Tiki Bowl allowing him to network with college coaches and surround himself with some of the best high school athletics in the nation.
Amarie was contacted through social media at the end of his junior year and after speaking with his mom about the opportunity they decided it was something they would pursue, and from there Amarie said he began to financially plan for the trip.
The Tiki Bowl has some of the best high school football players from throughout the nation to compete, allowing them to network with college coaches or gives players a chance at a final goodbye to football for those not planning on playing at the collegiate level.
The first Hawaii Tiki Bowl activities occurred December 16-21, and the second event was held January 3-8th. Amarie attended the bowl during the January dates along with his mother and brother who accompanied him on the trip.
Amari said the highlight of the trip was not only playing in the game but experiencing Hawaii at night, “I enjoyed walking around and seeing all the lights, the beach, the fire throwing, and all the people.”
The highlight during the game was when Amarie started the second half on offense. “The first play was a 6-yard run, and then we ran the same play again. I knew I had to get it to the outside and around the Defense Back, and once I did, I just kept running.” That play ended with a 69-yard touchdown for Amarie and his team, who won the game, 22-0.
As for the future, Amarie is still considering his options. At the present moment, he has not decided if he will pursue football or track after graduating in May. We wish him the best of luck and look forward to seeing where his future takes him.
