BLISSFIELD, Mich. — If there's one person who is synonymous with Blissfield High School athletics, no doubt most would quickly point to Phil Kerbawy.
The 72-year-old is routinely found at school sporting events and supports the Royals like no other.
"He plays a huge role on our bench and we love having him next to us," Blissfield senior Avery Collins said.
No matter the time or the place, Kerbawy finds a way to stand beside his teams.
"He's at everything, he doesn't miss anything. If he wants to be at it, he wants to be there," Blissfield girls basketball coach Ryan Gilbert said. "He's always wearing the gear and you see him walking the street to school. The longevity that he's been here is unmatched."
For nearly four decades Kerbawy has showcased his affinity for the Royals, which began when head football coach Denny Thompson asked him to help out with the football team. Over time his role has expanded to baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball.
The winter season arguably is his favorite for multiple reasons, a couple include shagging balls and providing feedback.
"Phil has always been alongside of me and we've grown into a great relationship," Collins said. "He always tells me how I do and he's brutally honest with me at times, which helps and I love having him next to me."
Kerbawy's impact won't appear on any stat sheet or roster, but his overwhelming love does make a huge difference.
"It's almost like a competition. When us and the boys play on the same night, we want him to pick us," Gilbert said. "So we try to provoke him with food to get him to our games because he's our good luck charm."
One with the team, Kerbawy's link to Blissfield will never be broken. However, he does stand alone in a certain regard having to live with a generalized developmental disability.
"Philip is very simplistic in his communication. You're not going to get any articulate statement," Phil's older brother Richard Kerbawy said. "But he'll say 'The kids like me and I like those kids.'"
After their mother's passing in 1998, a decision had to be made on whether or not Phil would stay in Blissfield. As his only sibling, Richard offered to bring him to East Lansing where his family stays. But his younger brother ultimately knew Blissfield meant home which is where Kerbawy has been living for over 25 years.
Although physically alone, the Lenawee County community has pseudo-adopted Phil as one of their own. His infectious optimism has proven to supersede any challenges that may arise in his life.
So far the memories made have been mainly positive, especially last year when the girls basketball team advanced to the MHSAA Division III state championship. Blissfield fell to Hemlock 59-43 in the final, but Kerbawy didn't focus much on the score.
"He could see the tears in my eyes and see the tears in my team's eyes, yet he was still so positive," Collins said. "Told us what a great run we had and that we'll get it next year. That just stuck with me because he's so positive no matter what."
Lifelong bonds fortified through devotion. The iconic Royal not only leaves a positive mark on others, but receives much needed love as well.
"It reveals to me what Blissfield, Michigan is all about," Richard Kerbawy said. "The humanity they have shown Philip and the way they've treated him, it reassures me living 90 miles away that my brother is safe."
The impact his younger brother has made over the years has resulted in Phil earning awards. In 2011, he received a "Volunteer of the Year" honor from the Blissfield athletic boosters, who now have the award named after Phil. Two years ago, Kerbawy was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame.