Former Adams City High School athlete Liban Shongolo had a pretty good prep career.

In 2017, he played quarterback for the Eagles and threw for more than 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2018, Shongolo was a running back who scored three touchdowns and caught one for a score.

That was more than enough to get him on the football team at Mesa State University in Grand Junction. In 2021, he recorded 11 tackles and one interception. He earned a spot on the honorable-mention squad of the National Football Foundation all-Colorado all-academic squad.

His bio on the Mesa State football web page says he “enjoys bodybuilding and mentoring.” And that’s exactly what he’s doing through Box State Boys, an organization that refers to the state’s shape. Shongolo created the vision, and does the hiring, recruiting and event planning.

This year’s annual summer football camp at Adams City High School, 7200 Quebec St., is June 17. More information at https://bsbyouthfootballcamp.wixsite.com/bsb-youth-football-c.

“Summer is a time for student-athletes to develop their game,” Shongolo said. “Personal training is at an all-time high in the metro area, but not all student-athletes can afford to attend. I was that student during high school, therefore I wanted to give local young men and women the opportunity to receive elite and individualized training from former Colorado athletes who are now playing collegiate and professional football for absolutely no cost.”

The tradeoff is simple.

“In return, we hope our campers leave, equipped and educated enough to compete in the fall with their peers who have had the privilege to attend paid training and camp sessions,” he said.

His first camp was a year ago.

“The most rewarding thing I saw at last year's camp was student-athletes from across the metro area being introduced to techniques/drills/skills that I wish someone took the time to teach me when I was in their position,” Shongolo said. “The only thing I get out of hosting this camp is a full heart. To inspire, motivate, and teach the future of my community means a great deal to me. I simply want to lend a hand, the same way so many men and women did for me.”

The camp also helped Shongolo learn to be a businessman, a teacher and a coach .. “better preparing me for life after college.” 

“We hope to bring out more athletes and receive the support of more local businesses,” Shongolo said.