When Zar Triplin first started looking at colleges, he wasn't quite sure what to expect from sprint football. But after learning more, he realized it's the perfect fit for his talents and ambitions.

So, what exactly is sprint football? According to sprintfootball.com, it's a full-contact, intercollegiate varsity sport that follows the same rules as traditional college football—with one key difference: player weight. Athletes can weigh up to 190 pounds on game day, though some may reach 210 during bulking or cutting phases. The league has been around since before World War II, proving its staying power in the world of collegiate athletics.

"It's still real college football—same field, same rules, same intensity," Triplin explained. "It's about speed, conditioning, technique, and effort every single play. Everybody on the field can move, so the game feels quicker and more competitive in a different way."

That fast-paced, high-energy style of play is exactly what drew the soon-to-be high school graduate to Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. Triplin, who is projected to play wide receiver, chose Bellarmine over other schools like Gannon University, Marietta College, and Ohio Northern.

"The staff went above and beyond to make sure I saw campus by myself, I was greeted by plenty of teammates, and they made it really feel like home," Triplin said. "They cared about me and my future more than just what I can do on the field."

But Triplin's journey to college football isn't a straight line. Before he steps onto the field at Bellarmine, he'll begin basic training on July 21 as part of his contract with the Army reserves. The university is fully supportive of his military commitment.

"Bellarmine will hold my scholarship while I'm at basic, and I'll join the team during spring ball and start playing with them in December/January training," Triplin said. "They promote it. They're a military-friendly school and told me they'll always support young athletes."

Triplin's long-term goals extend beyond the gridiron. After college, he aims to become a truck driver, using his military training as an 88M (major transport operator) to earn his Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

"Joining the military will make me eligible to get my CDL directly after my contract and pave a pathway to almost any trucking job with my military background," he said. "I've wanted to serve since middle school, and what better time than while in college? If I decide to go active, I'll already have a six-year contract done."

On the field, Triplin is focused on sharpening his skills. "I need to work on my speed, overall agility, and ability to read the defense to see how they're trying to manipulate the offense," he said. He's also looking forward to meeting new teammates and experiencing football at a more intense, strategic level.

Warriors coach Olajuwon Cooper has high confidence in Triplin's potential, and it's easy to see why. With his discipline, drive, and dual commitment to academics and service, Triplin is ready to make his mark—both on the field and beyond.