I'm proud to announce that SBI client, Sam Buckingham, was recently offered a walk-on position to play for the National Champion University of Alabama Crimson Tide!  I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with Sam on two different occasions to improve postural strength and flexibility.  Check out this writeup from OregonPreps.com Editor, Dirk Knudson.

In a follow up story we want to let our readers know that a former Grant High grid iron star made his way onto the squad for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Sam Buckingham was known for his gutsy play as an all purpose running back. The six footer weighs in at a solid 200 pounds. He gained attention by some local schools and small colleges around the region and had his shot.

But grades kept Buckingham out of college. He struggled like so many athletes do with a learning disability. But that was not the end for him

He was enrolled at Hargrave Military academy for a fifth year of high school where he corrected his grades and excelled. He also had a chance to develop himself on the field.

What he did was pull up his GPA and teach himself to be a kicker. This is not something most guys could do. But Sam did it. In fact he did it so well that he was offered a shot as a walk on at Alabama last year. 

He enrolled and made the squad. His name was published in the Media Guide and Official Roster.

But back in Portland his families fortunes had changed. Like many there had to be cut backs and one of them was the expensive out of state tuition to go to Alabama.

Sam returned home. He applied to other schools and has been working very hard with Chris Sailer who is the Premiere Kicking Coach in America,

In past months Sam has moved up the ranks of nationally rated kickers. He made it to the Top 10 on Sailer's National charts. Colleges started calling again.

His father Tom explained Sam's current situation and his emotional and triumphant return to the collegiate ranks.

"This past week Alabama invited Sam to re-enroll and join the team as a walk-on. He started school there today. He was told that going into spring ball he is their #1 punter on the depth chart and the job going forward is his to lose." 

Now the Tide have a scholarship kicker on the squad but Sam is confident that he can earn his spot and contribute to the Tide in a big way.

Sailer helped Sam perform at several big Kicking combines. He was able to consistently punt 50 yards in the air at these performances and his hang time varied from 4.3 to 4.7 Seconds. These are indeed impressive numbers.

What is great about Sam's story is that he overcame obstacles and absolutely has refused to back down one inch from his dreams. It is this type of indomitable spirit that we see in the really great ones. 

It is a shame that the NW Schools could not have offered him the same courtesy. Alabama is a National powerhouse. It is pretty clear they know what they need to win. 

We are glad that Sam Buckingham is going to be a part of that equation. He will be a great representative for Oregon High School Football. That is a big stage he will be playing on.

We wish him much success on the grid iron and in the game of life!

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