Former Charger All-Conference Lineman Adam Blake (#65, Class of 2011), took part in today’s festivities leading up to the Annual Illinois Coaches Association, Shriner’s All-Star Game on Saturday at Peoria Memorial Stadium in Peoria. Blake was selected as a member of the West Squad back in January, after being nominated by ACC Head Coach Brian Casey.
Unfortunatly, Blake’s participation in the practices, held at Eureka College, and the game on Saturday evening have been postponed due to an accident at his summer job leaving him with a broken bone in his left leg and a dislocated ankle.
“Obviously, I wish I could get out there and play,” Blake said. “But the overall experience will be good, and I will still be able to meet some good people.”
The week for Blake and the rest of the All-Stars will include 8 practices, team meetings, as well as a Wednesday visit to Chicago Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Oak Park.
“With not being able to play, I think I am most looking forward to visiting the Shriners Children’s Hospital,” Blake said. “I am interested in meeting with the patients, and hoping to help try to brighten up their days, which are most likely worse than what I am going through.”
Blake, ACC’s most valuable player in 2010, will still be recognized in a pre-game ceremony on Saturday evening, and will be on the sideline with his West teammates, which include two other individuals from the Suburban Christian Conference (Sam Miller of Aurora Christian, and Coach Dan Thorpe of Marmion Academy).
“I am happy that Adam is still going to be an active member in the ICA Shriners All-Star Week,” ACC Head Coach Brian Casey said. “He certaintly deserves to be there, as I still think he was one of the better, if not the best lineman in the area last season. While the injury is unfortunate, Adam has a very outgoing personality, and I am sure will still have a very memorable week.”
The All-Star selection capped off a fantastic career at Aurora Central Catholic High School for Blake. In 2010, he was a team captain, the team’s MVP and Lineman of the Year. Blake was First Team All-Conference, and Conference Lineman of the Year Runner-Up. His honors also included being named to the Daily Herald’s First Team All-Area, and the Beacon News All-Area Honorable Mention.
