University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Paolo Tiamson
Commitment and Sacrifice: Mead Leans on Military Ties
11/13/2018 9:37:00 AM | Football
Friday Night Lights. It's something that has become a phenomenon across the country. With over a million athletes playing high school football, it takes a special level of commitment and dedication to reach the next level.
Less than three-percent of those million reach the Division I level, a spot where freshman linebacker Patrick Mead has found himself with the University of Delaware football program this year.
Mead's hard work got him to this position today, that work ethic comes from years of being around two incredibly influential men in his life, his dad, Matthew J. Mead and his grandfather, Brig. General James M. Mead, both who have had long careers in the military.
"From a young age, they both instilled the mindset of if you want to get anywhere in life, you're doing to have to work for it, nothing comes easy," the youngest Mead said.
His father, Matthew Mead served as a pilot for the Marine Corps during the Cold War era, while Brigadier General James Mead fought in Vietnam.
"I've always grown up with a great appreciation of the sacrifice that our men and women in uniform put forth every day. I'm incredibly honored to have my dad and grandfather have served our country and laid a great example of how to live your life for me," Patrick said.
The youngest Mead has spent this year learning from those in front of him like Troy Reeder and Charles Bell, two guys who have made their mark on the Blue Hen program, just like the elder Meads did for Patrick.
"My family always taught me that you have to be committed in order to do something right and that's what I've been trying to do since I got on campus," Mead said. "I've learned from my family to soak up as much knowledge as you can from those around you and that's exactly what I've been trying to do with our older guys."
As Mead puts on his uniform and pads every day for practice, he thinks of the men and women like his dad and grandfather, who have served our country.
"My dad and grandfather are both extremely proud of their service and I've heard many stories over the years that I'll always remember and will always influence me," Mead said. "I know that my teammates and I wouldn't be able to do what we do every day without the sacrifices and commitment of men and women like them."
All this week, BlueHens.com will be recognizing family members, friends and fans tied to the Delaware Athletics Department who have served and are serving our great country. We thank them, and all of our Veterans, for their countless hours of commitment and dedication to our freedom.
Less than three-percent of those million reach the Division I level, a spot where freshman linebacker Patrick Mead has found himself with the University of Delaware football program this year.
Mead's hard work got him to this position today, that work ethic comes from years of being around two incredibly influential men in his life, his dad, Matthew J. Mead and his grandfather, Brig. General James M. Mead, both who have had long careers in the military.
"From a young age, they both instilled the mindset of if you want to get anywhere in life, you're doing to have to work for it, nothing comes easy," the youngest Mead said.
His father, Matthew Mead served as a pilot for the Marine Corps during the Cold War era, while Brigadier General James Mead fought in Vietnam.
"I've always grown up with a great appreciation of the sacrifice that our men and women in uniform put forth every day. I'm incredibly honored to have my dad and grandfather have served our country and laid a great example of how to live your life for me," Patrick said.
The youngest Mead has spent this year learning from those in front of him like Troy Reeder and Charles Bell, two guys who have made their mark on the Blue Hen program, just like the elder Meads did for Patrick.
"My family always taught me that you have to be committed in order to do something right and that's what I've been trying to do since I got on campus," Mead said. "I've learned from my family to soak up as much knowledge as you can from those around you and that's exactly what I've been trying to do with our older guys."
As Mead puts on his uniform and pads every day for practice, he thinks of the men and women like his dad and grandfather, who have served our country.
"My dad and grandfather are both extremely proud of their service and I've heard many stories over the years that I'll always remember and will always influence me," Mead said. "I know that my teammates and I wouldn't be able to do what we do every day without the sacrifices and commitment of men and women like them."
All this week, BlueHens.com will be recognizing family members, friends and fans tied to the Delaware Athletics Department who have served and are serving our great country. We thank them, and all of our Veterans, for their countless hours of commitment and dedication to our freedom.
Players Mentioned
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