For as long as he can remember, Josh Gage has dreamed of being like his dad, Mike, who played football in college.

But it wasn’t until Gage participated in the Orcas Kings football program that he knew he wanted to take that dream as far as he could. While most kids his age were climbing trees and playing video games, Josh began working out daily and preparing for his future.

“I don’t know if the workouts themselves actually produced results,” Gage said, “but what they did show was that I loved trying to get better and I was willing to work hard. I think the more you invest in something the more it means to you, which helps you push through the many hard times you face.”

At the time, Gage was the youngest of about 10 siblings and cousins who all lived on Orcas.

“When I was young, all my cousins and brothers used to beat up on me,” laughs Gage. “But they always included me and if it wasn’t for them I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today.”

He also recognizes his family for their unwavering support.

“My parents have sacrificed and supported me in all my decisions. I’m so thankful for them. My aunts gave me so much advice and my uncles they really just showed me what hard work and humility is,” he said.

In 2005, in his freshman year at the University of Washington, Gage joined the football team as a walk-on. It was the start of a five-year journey that ended on December 5, 2009.

After red-shirting as a freshman, he earned a football scholarship in his third year, which he says was one of his best experiences (other than the upset over USC this season). He began seeing more playing time and continued to gain the respect of his coaches and teammates alike.

But, as we all know, dreams usually come with a few challenges. Last year turned out to be a dismal one for the Huskies, as they found themselves ending the season 0-12, an experience that Gage describes as “the worst in his Husky career.” In addition, Gage found himself nursing an injury during the coaching staff transition from Tyrone Willingham to Steve Sarkisian.

“There’s a saying out there that ‘you can’t make the club in the tub’ so when everyone was working out and showing their stuff, I was doing rehab,” he said. “First impressions with coaches are huge so that was really difficult for me to have to just sit there and watch. I really tried to focus on the positives and I knew God was in control. All I could do was give it my best and whatever happened was in His hands.”

Gage was confident things would turn around – and they did.

With a new coaching staff and a new attitude, the Huskies finished the 2009 season with a 5-7 record, three of those losses decided by seven points or less and just short of being bowl-eligible. And on Dec. 5, with thousands of screaming purple and gold-clad fans packed into Husky Stadium (including more than 50 from Orcas), #24 ran from the tunnel for the last time and stood center field with his wife Lauren, his brother Jordan, his mom, Lisa, and his dad, as the departing senior players received a standing ovation.

Gage finished his career as a Washington Husky with over 50 tackles (six for loss), two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He also walks away having been awarded the Brian Stapp Special Teams Scout of the Year award in 2006, Pepsi Player of the Week for the Arizona State and Stanford games in 2006, and most importantly, knowing that he has inspired thousands of kids, like Randall Boetger, an Orcas Vikings football player.

“Josh is definitely an inspiration,” he said. “Just knowing that he grew up on Orcas and has did what he has done is amazing.”

When asked if Gage has any advice for people who have big dreams, he says, “Go for it! Do your best. You never know what can happen.”

So what’s in store for Gage now? Don’t put away your pom-poms and face-paint just yet.

He will be training for the next three months in preparation for “Pro Day,” where he will have the opportunity to impress NFL scouts and create a stepping stone to the next chapter of this story.

“Really, that is all I could ask for,” Gage said.

And if everything goes as it should, maybe next football season we’ll be sitting around the T.V. eating bean dip and chicken wings cheering for our favorite small-town hero.