YPSILANTI (WWJ) - When the NCAA's scholarship rules barred Eastern Michigan University football player Zack Conti from financial help, he was prepared to walk away from the game — but a fellow teammate stepped in with a life-changing plan.
Conti, a senior offensive lineman and Trenton, Mich. native, played his first four years with the Eagles as a "dedicated and hardworking" walk-on, appearing in 23 games in 2021 and 2022.
Unable to obtain a scholarship, Conti worked to pay his way through college, Head Coach Chris Creighton said, even going as far as donating his plasma to make ends meet.
But everything changed this week.
According to EMU Athletics, the Eagles football team had just finished their first day of 2023 fall camp on Monday, Aug, 3, and were gathered for a meeting when team captain and offensive lineman Brian Dooley handed Conti a letter.
Within that letter, the school informed Conti that he was now on a full scholarship for his senior year — and it was all thanks to a selfless and remarkable act by Dooley.
"We’re at 84 scholarships," Creighton said of the NCAA scholarship limitations as he addressed players during Monday's meeting. "We have 85 given out and no matter how many times or how many years I go to the NCAA and say ‘yeah, but man I’m just telling you, we need 86. We need 86. Is there any way that we can have an exception for this deal?’ The answer is ‘no, you have 85.’"
"Until Brian Dooley comes into the office," Creighton continued. "And he said, ‘Coach, that guy has earned it and I’ve talked this over with my family and the whole bit and if there’s a way to make this happen, I am willing to give up my scholarship and to give it to Zack Conti.’”
Creighton has been coaching at the helm of EMU's football program for 10 years and has been involved in college football for many decades prior to coming to Ypsilanti.
Out of everything he has seen, Dooley's scholarship sacrifice left him stunned.
"I've never heard, I've never seen anything like that ever before," Creighton said, who has tried for years to secure a scholarship for Conti.
In a room full of his friends and teammates, Conti opened the letter to thunderous applause and embraced Dooley.
EMU Athletics said Dooley made the life-altering decision because he didn't want to see Conti walk away from the game he loves.
"[It] did not sit well with me," Dooley added. "[Conti] works hard and gets extra work with me all the time. In my eyes he earned it 100%, giving up my scholarship so he can stay and play means everything. I'm proud of what he has become and cannot wait to see what he does on the field."
The university said Dooley's sacrifice and kindness "exemplified the true essence of college football and the lessons it imparts beyond the field."
"The story of Zack Conti and Brian Dooley will resonate for years to come, standing as a beacon of sportsmanship and selflessness," the school said.
"As the 2023 fall camp continues, the Eastern Michigan football program embarks on a new season with an unwavering sense of unity and support," officials continued. "They know that they are not just a team but a family that uplifts and empowers each other, on and off the field. This heartwarming tale reminds us all that it is not just about winning games, but about making a difference in the lives of those around us, one small act of kindness at a time."