When our Weston Borba rubs shoulders with college football's finest players on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco's SBC Park, he will have Kevin Shea cheering him on from the sidelines.
Although the two have never met in person, Borba and Shea share a special bond. They are the only two players in the modern era of Saint Mary's football to be recognized with coveted Shrine Game invitations to play on the West squad. I say coveted invitations because the nationally televised Shrine Game attracts NFL head coaches and All-American players in mind-boggling numbers.
Borba is a senior defensive back and kick returner with a tremendous record of achievement during his four-year Gael career. Weston is anxious to play in the Shrine Game before Saint Mary's fans and many of his hometown friends from Chowchilla, CA. In addition to Borba's appearance at the event, the Saint Mary's Alumni Office has organized a group outing to the upcoming game.
Shea, a top placekicker and punter in his days wearing the Red and Blue, appeared in the Shrine Game 25 years ago in 1979 in front of 76,000 fans in Stanford Stadium. His personal performance that afternoon included a 40-yard field goal, nine punts averaging 42 yards, and a touchdown saving tackle.
During the big-time era of Saint Mary's football in the 1930s and 40s, Gael stars were regulars in this Bay Area classic. Shea, keenly aware of the game's history and significance, has managed to stay connected to it with a six-year role as the coordinator of ball boys. He will proudly be watching Borba's every move on Jan. 10 from his place on the sidelines.
"I intend personally to tell Weston that day what a terrific player and credit to Saint Mary's College he is. It will be a special, nostalgic thrill for me to watch him compete in this game," Shea said.
Community service has long been a hallmark of Saint Mary's College student-athletes. The visit to the Shriners Children's Hospital in '79 was a deeply moving experience for Shea. Borba expects to be emotionally moved when it's his turn to see the kids.
The Shrine Game was a step that helped catapult Shea to a professional career with the Oakland Invaders of the old USFL. Borba is confident this game will help he chances of getting his shot to play for pay.
"I'm really excited to be going to the Shrine Game," Borba said. "I'm always up for new challenges and I think that I will be able to play with these other premier athletes. It will be an honor to be beside them, but I know I will do just fine."
Go Gaels!
Carl R. Clapp
Director of Athletics
