On the eve of the AAA state championship, Chapman quarterback Mikele Colasurdo was named Gatorade South Carolina Football Player of the Year. Colasurdo is the first player in Chapman’s history to have ever received this award and says he’s proud of the award and of his team.

In his second season as starting quarterback, Colasurdo, alongside many other key players, has led the Panthers to win after win this season, dominating the 3A region. The Chapman community has packed the stands at nearly every game and they never fail to show their support: cowbells, posters and cheers fill the stadium every time the team takes the field. 

“Sometimes I feel like I’m living in a movie: Being a small town quarterback, the way the community embraces the team, it’s really special,” Colasurdo said. 

Colasurdo credits his coaches with helping develop him as a quarterback.

“I just want to say thank you,” he said. “Thank you for the support, emotionally and physically, and for the guidance and direction.”

Chapman plays Dillon tomorrow at 3 p.m. in Columbia.