PORTLAND, Ore. – There’s no denying the power of discipline. Through discipline, we learn how to be obedient, respect authority, self-reliance and teamwork. For better or worse, these traits shape humans into orderly individuals and good role models. Sports and discipline seem to go hand in hand, shaping young men and women alike, teaching lessons that would last long after their playing days.

Sophomore Chris Kelly is an individual who has had the opportunity to receive a double-dose of discipline, through his participation in football and the Army ROTC. Kelly is currently a free safety for the Lewis & Clark football team, serving as a key starter for the Pios the past two seasons. He is also a part of the University of Portland Pilot Battalion, where he is a ROTC Cadet.

Most recently his dedication to both his sport and his country, earned him the opportunity to attend the 10th Annual U.S. Army All-American Combine and Bowl in San Antonio, Texas on Jan. 9. The bowl is played every January, featuring the nations top high school football players, testing their talents against top competition, while giving them the chance to impress college football coaches. Kelly was one of 16 athletically involved ROTC cadets from across the nation to assist in the combine.

In the past, the All-American Bowl has featured some of the nation’s top football players, while honoring more than 300 of the most committed Soldier Heroes.

“The Bowl opened with a touching ceremony for the past, present, and future United States Army members,” said Kelly. “They commemorated returning Iraq and Afghanist an veterans as well as members of the Tuskegee Airman, Buffalo Soldiers, and the 101st Airborne from World War II. Also 99 enlistees took their oaths right on the field. The bowl was an incredible experience.”

While working to register the numerous underclassmen at the combine, Kelly was able to use his leadership skills to help in the testing process by guiding assigned groups of 20-30 high school athletes. He was also able to hear motivational talks regarding athletic fitness, mental strength, keys to success and opportunities to serve ones country. Speakers included former Heisman Trophy Winner and Retired Army General Pete Dawkins and Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Cadet Command.

During his time at the All-America Bowl, Kelly was also able to witness other dedicated student-athletes commit to Division I football scholarships from teams such as Florida, Oklahoma, USC, Texas and many more.

Because of his own hard work on the grid iron, Kelly was able to help the Pioneers win their first Northwest Conference game in six years during the 2009 season, while guiding them to a huge 57-35 homecoming win over Crown College. His dedication to be all he can be both on and off the field, as well as in his community, has shaped Kelly into a young man who is a good role to the successes that come from a disciplined mind.

As legendary football coach Lou Holtz once said, “Without self-discipline, success is impossible, period.”