Lemoore's Doctor earns invitation to prestigious Blue Grey All American Bowl

One of the premier bowl games for graduating high school seniors, the bowl is by invitation only. The classic was established in 1989. The founders of the game are Gus Bell and his son Erick. Today there are 12 combines held every spring at NFL stadiums and practice facilities nationwide that help pick All-American prospects.

Top level prospects from the regional combines are invited to one of three super combines. The Pro Football Hall of fame in Canton, the New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals are the hosts for these super combines.

The best athletes of the Blue Grey combines are then selected to play in one of two Blue Grey Bowls, one at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Doctor was selected to play in the Dec. 22 game in Dallas.

Doctor, who has put up impressive numbers this season, is Lemoore’s all-tie rushing leader with 2,026 yards with two games left in the season. He currently leads California in rushing, and is currently 16th in the nation.

“I’m excited about it,” said Doctor, referring to his selection. “I was just selected to play.” He said he originally did not participate in the Blue Grey combines, but the organizers of the game saw game film and liked what they saw. It also didn’t hurt that he was leading California in rushing.

“It was a lucky pick,” Doctor said. “I guess they liked what they saw.”

The talented senior will more than likely have many schools from which to continue his college career, particularly with his 4.29 grade point average. He’s already expressed interest in either an electrical or mechanical engineering degree.

“I’d like to attend Stanford,” he said. “I’ve been dreaming of it since I was little.”

Right now though Doctor and his teammates, whom he credits for his surprising season, are preparing for El Diamante, a game that could decide the West Yosemite League championship. “We’re just working on our game scheme for El Diamante,” he said.

To help pay for the trip, Richard’s friends have begun a campaign to raise the necessary funds to send him to Dallas for the game. According to one of the organizers of the fundraising effort, Dionne Ewing, it will take about $2,800 to send him to the game and pay expenses.

Anyone interested in donating may contact Dionne at 908-8527 or Nicole Groathouse at 593-1039.