b'A WINNINGGAME PLANElvis Grbac, former NFL quarterback, came home to work at his alma mater, a Marianist-sponsored school in Cleveland, where his faith and love for kids is making a difference.By John SchroederI was an odd request, knowing his background as ats been a few years since Elvis Grbac stared into themenacing eyes of an NFL linebacker. But the former professional football player. All-Pro quarterback proved last year that he still can Elvis explained that he was earning a masters degreeadjust quickly to his situation, similar to calling an in theology, and that he felt called to teach the subject.audible (shouting a new play on the spot) as he But school officials had an alternative type of positionoften did in football.in mind: director of the Marianist Urban StudentsEarly last spring, when he applied for a teaching Program (MUSP).position at Marianist-sponsored Villa Angela-St. Joseph MUSP is an individualized mentoring and supportHigh School (VASJ), his knack for quickly adjusting program. Launched in 1999, it was designed to helpto changing circumstances was on display. teens from low-income households afford a CatholicElvis came to talk about teaching religion, recalls high school education. But income is not the onlyformer VASJ President Bill Cervenik. I thought that criterion. MUSP looks for high-potential adolescentsElvis Grbac heads the MarianistALL PHOTOS: KEN BLAZEUrban Students Program atVASJ, a position formerly heldby Tim Neary, now dean of academics at the school. Opposite page: Elvis practiceshoops with MUSP studentLavelle Smith.Editors Note: The images for this story were taken inmid-February, a month beforeVASJ closed due to COVID-19and social distancing measureswere enacted in Ohio.4 Call 1.800.348.4732'