Let’s Win One for Mama (or, a Non-Snaky Post)

Marcus Smith (#4), a receiver for New Mexico, has announced that he will play in this weekend’s game against BYU, although he’ll spend some time during the week in San Diego to attend his mother’s funeral. Maybe it’s just because I’m a girl, but this story truly touched my heart .

Sheila Smith, never one to miss one of her son’s games, was a single parent who raised Smith and his two siblings on a tight budget, sacrificing much of herself for her children. Smith was able to attend school on a football scholarship, but his mother’s death comes as a huge financial setback for him, as he is the next-of-kin and responsible for all arrangements and costs.

NCAA rules don’t allow Smith to receive money from anyone for any donation reason. However, a local bank – First Community Bank in Albuquerque – has established the Sheila M. Smith memorial fund to help defer the costs for Smith. All donations above and beyond the funeral expenses will be donated to charity in Sheila’s name.

Smith tells the Associated Press:
“She’s going to be on my shoulder, helping me through everything,” Smith said. “As long as I keep her close, she’ll always be with me.”

If you’re financially able, please help Smith pay for these costs. Already, the memorial fund is bring in some donations to help Smith and his family, and that, my friends, is what I love about this game.  We all want a fair game in college football, and even though you may be cheering against New Mexico, you can still open your wallets for a good cause.