NC Scholarship Winner Works Hard On and Off the Football Field

Mar 11, 2026

By Griffin Fletcher

Belmont, N.C., like so many other small towns in the south, slows down significantly on Friday nights in the fall. It has to - because otherwise, too many people would miss the chance to gather in support of something that matters deeply to this close-knit community: the South Point High Red Raiders football team.

For many years, the person in Belmont least likely to miss one of these Friday night football games has probably been Colin Drumm. Born and raised in Belmont, Colin was a die-hard South Point football fan who rarely missed a game long before he was in high school. When it came time for him to become a Red Raider himself, Colin was an integral member of the team for all four years. He described his football experience succinctly: "I loved being a part of the Red Raiders program."

Colin Drumm and his parents, Shane and Kimberly, on Senior Night

Growing up in the proud, family-like atmosphere of Belmont afforded Colin the classic American small-town experience of playing football alongside several of his closest friends, surrounded by people he's known for as long as he can remember. The significance of this is not lost on him. "It started in Pop Warner," he said, "and I played with some of those guys from Tiny Mites (a youth football division for boys aged 5 to 7 years old) until my senior year of high school. People in Belmont are crazy about South Point football, and it's just a great feeling to have the community behind you and to have everybody support you whether they know your name or not."

Colin lives and breathes football and appreciates not just the physical act of playing the game, but also its tactical and comradery-building aspects. This became especially clear to him after a setback that he described as one of the most significant moments of his high school experience. While watching a baseball game during his sophomore year, Colin was struck in the face by a batted ball that came through a net, breaking several bones around his eye. As a result, he missed about six weeks of that football season. "I had to step into more of a leadership role off the field. It taught me that leadership is more about presence and encouragement than position. It was also when I realized how much I loved the strategy and mentorship side of football."

Colin's contributions to the Belmont community went far beyond making plays on the football field. Colin has always been very involved with his church, participating in its youth ministry's activities and community outreach efforts and volunteering frequently on church grounds. In fifth grade, he started the "Gloves for Gaston" initiative, leading an annual glove and sock drive for the homeless community in Gaston County. The drive surpassed donation goals for each of the three years that Colin led it. His leadership qualities are unmistakable - an assistant principal at South Point called him "an incredible leader," while one of his teachers noted that "he is friendly, encouraging, and uplifting," with "an incomparable drive and determination to succeed." The teacher continued: "Whether in the classroom, with a school club, or on the sports field, Colin is a natural leader and is motivated to be his best self."

That drive and motivation are made evident by an exceptional work ethic. In addition to his nearly year-round athletic commitments (he was also a key member of the South Point baseball team), his determination to maintain impeccable grades (he finished with a 4.4 GPA) and his community involvement, Colin worked several jobs during high school. He worked as a stocker at a grocery store and as a host at a local restaurant, and while he certainly learned a lot about the working world in these roles, he found one of his greatest influences in his youth while working as an apprentice to electrician Aaron Wright. "My boss (Wright) was also my first children's minister and mentor. He taught me so much about work ethic, faith, and how to carry yourself as a young man."

Colin at the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

The most impactful role models to Colin while he was growing up, however, were, of course, his parents. He calls his father Shane, who works overseeing physical security and IT for Atrium Health, his "best friend and a constant source of encouragement," who "makes us all laugh with his great sense of humor." His mother Kimberly, a PBA member with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office who has been in law enforcement for nearly 27 years, has been Colin's guiding light throughout his entire life. "Mom showed me what it looks like to lead with both strength and kindness. Her faith, discipline, and resilience are things I admire every day."

Now that he has graduated, Colin is leaving Belmont, at least for a while - but he's not leaving the football field. He's headed to NC State, where, while enrolled as a full-time student, he will also serve as a student coach for the Wolfpack football team. The responsibilities that come with this role are demanding, but Colin may not even notice, because he will constantly be around the game he loves so much - one of the hobbies he enjoys in his free time is "watching and analyzing football," after all. As for where he will wind up after college, there are several possibilities. For one, he could see himself following in his mom's footsteps and entering the world of law enforcement. "Through [my mother], I've seen firsthand the dedication, sacrifice and heart it takes to wear the badge with integrity. Her service has shaped my own desire to follow in her footsteps and make a meaningful impact in my community." There's also the possibility that Colin chooses to pursue a career in football if his experience with the NC State football team proves that his real calling is in coaching.

Or maybe he will get his big break, and his career will take a completely different route. Colin says that, although few people know this about him, he dreams of doing stand-up comedy and acting one day. In this field, he draws a lot of inspiration from Adam Sandler, who, in Colin's words, "never misses."

If he finds success in comedy, his parents likely won't be too surprised. Kimberly says that Colin has been especially witty and confident for as long as he could talk. "When Colin was in kindergarten," she recalls, "he would introduce himself by saying, "My name is Colin Cooper Drumm, but don't call my momma and daddy 'Momma and Daddy' - call them 'Shane' or 'Kim.'"

Though his career trajectory is uncertain, Colin isn't worrying about it too much. "I'm trusting God to help lead me to the right path," he said.

Colin Drumm

Both Colin and Kimberly made clear how much receiving the PBF Scholarship meant to them. "This scholarship means more than just financial help," said Kimberly. "It represents the law enforcement family standing behind our children. I'm grateful to the PBF and SSPBA for supporting our kids' futures." Colin put it this way: "Just thank you, for the scholarship, the opportunity, and the belief in students like me. I won't take it for granted."

We at the PBF have no doubt about that.