Coach Jacob Dowdell honored by Legislature for community service

"I've trained thousands of kids and my approach is based on three principles," detailed Coach Jacob Dowdell at the Guam Congress Building. "One, always be your best. Two, respect others. And three, never give up."

"Those three principles have led me to this day."

Dowdell was recognized recently for his life's work uplifting others and giving people opportunities to be great. Not just a sports coach, he also centered his life's work on empowering all Guamanians through his initiatives with the local Black community, faith organizations, his fellow educators, youth groups, and countless other charitable works.

Flanked by friends, he was honored by the Legislature for his contributions to island life, perpetuating the Hafa Adai Spirit - a lifestyle he immediately fell in love with when he first came to Guam nearly two decades ago.

He said, "I had the opportunity to work with young folks and help them believe, and have hope in themselves."

His greatest challenge came this past May, as he suffered a stroke the day Typhoon Mawar hit. He left for physical therapy in the mainland a few weeks later, but only after staying to celebrate Juneteenth with the local African-American community. But his work continues.

And true to his nature, he selflessly deferred attention at his ceremony, shining the light on those he and his colleagues have worked to help.  Two such people are both his former students: Aaron, a recipient of a scholarship the coach helped create; and Bella, who beat cancer and inspired Dowdell to keep up his own battle.

(And of course, it wouldn't be a Jacob Dowdell event without the lifelong Steelers fan rocking a three-piece suit tactically decorated with some of the team's trademark black-&-yellow.)

So thank you, coach. And congratulations. And keep up the fight.