Nothing was the same for Cam Hilton.
A senior defensive back and wide receiver for the Webster Groves football team, Hilton verbally committed to Mizzou in the spring. That alone would make things different. Even in Webster Groves, where they love their Statesmen, signing on to join the Tigers upped Hilton's profile.
“More people know my name,†Hilton, 18, said. “I get a lot more respect from people.â€
His commitment to Mizzou has not been the driving force in his preparation for the season. He only need look at his new number to see why he's worked so hard. Hilton will wear No. 7 on his jersey this season to honor his life-long friend, Adrian Bowman.
“We grew up together,†the 6-foot-1, 175-pound Hilton said. “We played football together at Mathews-Dickey.â€
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Bowman, a De Smet senior, took his own life in February just days after signing a letter of intent to play football at Lindenwood University. Bowman's death devastated De Smet, the area football community and his friends, like Hilton.
“It was so unexpected,†Hilton said. “He was so strong minded. He was the person you'd go to with your problems.â€
The No. 4 prospect in the Post-Dispatch Super 30, Hilton thinks about his friend every day. Bowman is never far from his heart and when the season begins Friday, he will, in a way, be draped across Hilton's chest.
“I'm always thinking about him,†Hilton said.
Hilton put together a stellar junior season that saw him emerge as one of the area's most versatile weapons. He was Webster Groves' top wide receiver with 54 receptions, 922 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was also a defensive force as he picked off seven passes and had 63 tackles. Hilton was a dynamic presence as a punt and kick returner as well. He was often the most dangerous man on the field at any given moment.
At least until Thanksgiving.
Mere days after the Statesmen were knocked out of the Class 5 playoffs in the semifinals by Parkway Central, they lined up and took a 44-0 Turkey Day drubbing by Kirkwood. Hilton played the first quarter and then was removed from the game with an injury.
“I had a rib injury, I went to the hospital,†he said.
A small forward for the Webster Groves basketball team, Hilton missed much of the preseason, but did return to the court in time for the team's opening game. He hasn't thought much about what it will be like giving up basketball after his senior year. He's been focused on preparing for the upcoming season.
“I feel like we had a great offseason,†Hilton said.
The season is now here as the Statesmen open up at Francis Howell on Friday. When they do, Hilton will do so with a heavy heart and a spirit fueled by the memory of his friend.
“Every thing I do is for him,†Hilton said.