Al Cantrell is bigger in stature than the average person. Some say that goes for his heart, too.
Cantrell is the founder of “Al’s Stars.” It’s a program he started in 1997 that helps local high school senior athletes who may have developed late, or are moderately oversized for one role at the next level but slightly undersized for another, find college-scholarship opportunities. Neither gender, race, nor the sport he or she plays matters to Cantrell. Only grades do.
“It helps me spiritually, first and foremost,” Cantrell said. “It gives me a chance to do something good amongst the bad we create. I want to continue to grow what I’ve started. Those sleepers are out there. As long as the diamonds in the rough are out there, I’m going to continue to search them out.”
Cantrell is a 1982 graduate of Brainerd High School and a self-described “late bloomer” in basketball. He refers to himself as a “tweener” who ultimately found a scholarship offer at Virginia State University in Petersburg. He went on to become a member of the school’s 1,000-point and 500-rebound clubs.