Salem freshman made it to Cleveland in Browns Punt, Pass & Kick team competition
By KEVIN HOWELLSALEM- A local teen punted, passed and kicked his way to Cleveland recently, competing in the NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass & Kick Cleveland Browns Team Championship Sunday morning.
Salem High School freshman Travis Nolan, son of David and Rhonda Nolan, placed fourth of five in his age division at the competition Sunday after finishing first in the Kiwanis-sponsored Salem tournament in September and then at the Elyria sectionals in October, at which he achieved his personal best of 370 combined feet and beat approximately 20 other competitors.
Following the competition, Nolan received a plaque commemorating his achievements, greeted Indianapolis Colts stars Reggie Wayne and Dominic Rhodes and attended the Browns-Colts football game that afternoon.
Although he did not participate in football this year, Nolan said he plans to play next year as a sophomore. He also plays baseball and wrestles for the school.
Having discovered the competition several years ago in a newspaper, Nolan has participated in the event four years, but went the furthest in this his final year of eligibility.
"I'm so proud of him," said Rhonda. "He is certainly blessed with a lot of talent, and I'm so proud of all he achieves in life."
Competing in front of a large crowd at the Browns' training facility, Nolan said he felt "happy, glad and nervous" all at the same time. And although he was disappointed with his finish, he said it was an exciting event in which to participate.
Established in 1961, the PP&K program is the oldest NFL Youth Football program, a national skills competition for boys and girls between the ages of 8 -15 to compete separately against their peers.
According to ppk.nflyouthfootball.com, more than four million boys and girls from around the country take part in the competition every year from July through January, making it one of the world's largest youth sports participation programs.
Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net
