LHS's 'gentle giant' signs letter of intent to play football for Stonehill College

LACONIA — Laconia Football Coach Craig Kozens said Raige Hollis, early in his career as a defensive tackle for the Sachems, set a goal to continue playing football "at the next level" after high school. Kozens relayed the story at a Tuesday ceremony, where Hollis signed a letter of intent to attend Stonehill College.

"He did it by working hard, he did it by commitment," Kozens said.

Hollis's hard work was recognized by the Easton, Mass. college, which offered a near complete scholarship. In addition to playing defense for the Skyhawks, Hollis will be majoring in business management. He will be the first member of his family to matriculate directly from high school to college.

Principal Steven Beals told the dozens of students, coaches and staff members at the ceremony that while Hollis, along with friend and teammate Billy Mahoney, was one of the "bruise brothers" on the playing field, he was a "gentle giant" in the corridors and classrooms of the school. "He was always the largest, and frequently the kindest," said Beals.

Flanked by his coach and his parents Jen and Dallas, Hollis thanked those who helped him through the years. "I couldn't have done it without everybody," he said. In particular, he said he's been guided by the philosophy of his coach. "Good people first, good players second. That's how I've tried to live my life."

CAPTION for RAIGE in AA:

Raige Hollis, a Laconia senior and defensive tackle, signed a letter of intent on Tuesday to attend Stonehill College. He is shown here with, left to right, head coach Craig Kozens, his mother Jen Hollis, father Dallas Hollis and assistant coach Matt Tetreault. (Laconia Daily Sun photo/Adam Drapcho)