GIVING BACK
Nick Singleton, a Penn State freshman and Gov. Mifflin grad, holds a free football clinic in conjunction with Gatorade, which donates $20,000 to Olivet Boys & Girls Club
Two days before he begins his first preseason football camp at Penn State, Nick Singleton was back home in Shillington on Saturday doing something he loves.
About 55 boys between the ages of 11 and 14 attended the Nick Singleton Football Clinic at Gov. Mifflin, many of whom dream the dreams the former Mustangs standout once had.
“It means a lot,” said Nichole Singleton, Nick’s mother, who attended the clinic. “This is what he was born to do. This is what he’s always wanted to do with sports, specifically football.
“To see him giving back to these young kids who aspire to be great as well as Nicholas does, it means a lot. It brings it full circle.”
Singleton, a Gov. Mifflin grad and Berks County’s career leading rusher, was on the field encouraging the youngsters, instructing them and even throwing passes to them.
“The community made me who I am,” he said. “We’re just trying to give everybody here the same opportunities that I had. I just want to give back by joining with Gatorade.”
Singleton’s affiliation with the sports beverage company began when he was named the 2021 Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year in football and then its National Player of the Year.
In conjunction with the free clinic, Gatorade is donating $20,000 to the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading for the renovation of a club gym and for other athletic purposes.
“It means the world to be a part of this,” said Chris Winters, president and chief executive officer of the Olivet Club. “Nick and his family are very committed to the Olivet family. Olivet is all about personal relationships with the community.
“This is a perfect example of what happens when a young man like Nick Singleton gives back to his community. That’s a huge impact for us.”
Christian, Nick’s older brother, is an assistant director at Olivet’s Oakbrook unit. Nick participated in Olivet summer camps when he was younger. Several of the kids attending the clinic attend Olivet programs. “When I was young, I used to be in their shoes and doing all the stuff they’re doing,” Singleton said. “The whole staff was good to me when I was young. It was very important to get them (the Olivet clubs) involved. They’re one of the reasons why I’m here.”
His four years at Mifflin were historic. He set Berks career records with 6,326 rushing yards and 116 touchdowns as he led the Mustangs to a 32-11 record, three Berks Football League Section 1 titles and a District 3 Class 5A championship.
Last season, he ran for 2,059 yards, scored 44 TDs and led the Mustangs to a 10-1 record, a league title and the district final.
Now he stands poised to make an immediate impact at Penn State. Phil Steele’s College Football Preview placed him on its All-Big Ten fourth team and listed him as the Nittany Lions’ No. 1 running back.
“I didn’t know that,” Singleton said. “That’s crazy because I haven’t played a down yet. I’m still learning a lot of stuff. Being mentioned like that is crazy.”
Jeff Lang, his head coach at Mifflin, worked at the clinic, along with five members of his staff. Like many others, he carries great anticipation for Singleton’s freshman season.
“Oh, I can’t wait to see him,” Lang said. “I expect to see him playing. I got a feeling that they’re going to start with a three-man rotation (at running back). Whoever takes the bull by the horns is going to be the guy. I have 100% faith in him. He looks great.”
Singleton has simple goals for preseason practice.
“There’s really nothing to think about except to grind and compete and go full speed on every play,” he said. “I just want to lock in, keep my head down and work, man. I can’t wait to compete for a spot.”
Lang said Singleton’s presence Saturday at the clinic speaks volumes about his character.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “He starts camp Monday, and he’s down here on Saturday doing this. He knows where he comes from. He knows it’s important to come back, keep motivating these kids and keep the game of football rolling and alive.
“It’s just very special for him to do this.”
Nichole Singleton watched her son with pride and admiration, remembering that he was in the same position as the kids at the clinic before he became one of the nation’s very best high school players.
She can’t wait for his college career to begin.
“Oh, I am so excited and a little nervous, of course,” she said. “I am very excited to see the next chapter in his life, see where that takes him, see him fulfill his dreams and what he wants to become and who he wants to be. It’s just going to be amazing.”