As a quarterback, Michael Brescia '25 is accustomed to being a leader and guiding his teammates as he runs the offense. In some ways, he's a coach on the field.

But in June, Brescia's leadership abilities were put to the test when he served as a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La.

The academy, founded by former NFL quarterback Archie Manning more than 25 years ago, brings college quarterbacks from across the country together to teach the fundamentals of football to high school players who play an offensive position. 

This year's four-day event included 44 college quarterbacks and 1,400 high school teens, working under the guidance of Archie's Super Bowl champion sons, Eli and Peyton Manning.

Throughout the day, Brescia and his fellow quarterbacks ran different drills and used their knowledge to instruct their younger peers. Some exercises focused on strength and conditioning, while others covered basic offensive and defensive strategies.
 
For Brescia, it was a thrilling experience. And a new one.  

"As a quarterback, you are naturally a leader," Brescia said. "But I've never been in that coaching position. It was a great experience being with the kids."

Teaching the sport to teens was only part of the fun. The event allowed college quarterbacks to showcase their abilities. They got to interact with one another. 

And they met the Manning brothers, who conducted lessons of their own.

"They were very humble guys, down to earth," Brescia said of the Mannings. "They want to give back to the game that has given so much to them, a game they had so much success with. They want to help us and get to know us and show that they cheer for us on Saturdays."

College quarterbacks have to be invited to the camp. Brescia was the lone Patriot League representative. And he's only the second Colgate quarterback to attend. 

Grant Breneman '21, who played with Brescia, was the other Raider to take part in the academy.

Brescia, an educational studies major from Hinsdale, Ill., received an invitation with help from Dan Arment '84, who is the president and CEO of Riddell, an industry leader in producing football helmets. Riddell is also a sponsor of the academy.

The junior said he's thankful for the support of Colgate alumni — and for being part of this year's academy. 

"It's really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity being around such great quarterbacks who are playing at such a high level and possibly will go on and play in the NFL, as well as being around Peyton and Eli and getting to talk to them," Brescia said.

Stan Dakosty, Colgate's Fred '50 and Marilyn Dunlap head football coach, applauded Brescia for the opportunity to take part in the academy. 

"The Manning family is football royalty, so for them to invite Mike to participate in their camp is really a special thing," he said. "I know Mike was excited to experience the coaching and mentoring aspect of the camp, but he's also a great competitor, so I know he was eager to practice and perform with some of the best players in the country."