Comments on: I wouldn’t Bet Against Him

By: Cassie

Cassie — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 06:26:54 +0000

Congrats RJ!

By: Mel Enero

Mel Enero — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:39:31 +0000

Great Article! I remember playing for Kelvin and yes we have very similar statures. I myself was 5.6 and around 140 lbs when I started. It was fun showing up at the games and getting the sense that the opponents were surprised by your ability.

Keep up the good work RJ.

#22 Melanio Enero RB/DB 94-97 year under coach Normandeau

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:44:20 +0000

I remember the first stadium game I went to watch you. First thing I see is you swimming two defenders and outrunning the rest of the team for a 94+ yard touchdown. Keep it up ‘little’ brother.

By: Roxanne

Roxanne — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:47:08 +0000

Great article! Inspiring.

Congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished so far RJ. Keep that good head of yours on and you’ll go places.

Much love and support from your big sis.

By: Phil Collins

Phil Collins — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:08:23 +0000

‘AGAINST ALL ODDS, you can do it, just always believe in yourself.
Good article, congratulations RJ. Keep it up and more power.

By: Jordan Kussin

Jordan Kussin — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 21:08:24 +0000

As one of RJ’s coaches, I was privileged enough to see the drive that everyone has talked about day in and day out. I was able to relate to him quite well. I was a basketball player at only 5’10″ 160 lbs. I was told numerous times I was way too small, but because of that I was so determined to prove to everyone and myself that I was going to beat you, no matter how. That drive got me to the next level in not basketball, but football. If you have the inner drive like RJ, you will succeed. Along with the work came the reward that I’m sure RJ is relating to and proud of himself for. He will only continue to improve immensely into an elite football player that I’m excited to see in the rest of high school and at the next level.

By: Karsten

Karsten — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 22:58:48 +0000

Dear GFI
I really appreciated this story because the idea of having a chip on your shoulder relates to me in many ways. I started Hockey at a very old age by many standards beginning when I was 14 at the average peewee level. I had a couple years of skating lessons under my belt, and years of playing in my basement, but no other experience. Many people told me I couldn’t do it, even to the point where I overheard one of my teammates parents say that I might hurt the team. Instead of giving up, I decided to push forward. I practiced hard, learned from my teammates and suited up for each game like it was my last. I ended up scoring 12 goals that season and 22 points in a limited schedule and played on the first line in many games. Although not a spectacular season, that same parent at the end of the year paid me a compliment. To this day I still carry that same chip on my shoulder in everything I do. I believe having a chip on your shoulder isn’t a attitude, but rather a lifestyle, a lifestyle that i bring to everything I do today.

By: Willy

Willy — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 22:10:20 +0000

Hey,
Great article, spoke to me on a personal level. At 5’10″ , 220 I am not small, but for my sport, Highland Heavy events, and the olympic style hammer, I’m a midgit.

I get it, and that need to succeed and spite critics and non believers is strong in me too.

To all the GFI Blue “Chip” ers.
Nothing can hold you back if you believe.
Keep it up

By: Rob Schellenberg

Rob Schellenberg — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:11:13 +0000

Great story. I’d like to congratulate R.J as well, a guy with this kind of drive and passion leads the way for others after him to keep working hard and getting things done. As another Kelvin alum, dedication and history is a big part of that school, and Ilagan represents what being a Clipper should look like. Keep up the hard work and don’t let anyone bring you down. GFI