Senior Landon Belesky may have the longest commute of any De La Salle Collegiate student.
At De La Salle since his freshman year, Landon travels daily from Lake Orion, where his family lives, and where he attended the local public schools.
His commute is an hour each way.
While in middle school, Landon played football at Holy Family Regional School in Rochester and got to know several teammates who were planning to attend DLS. The group’s coach was Mr. Mark Campbell, father of senior Caden Campbell. Landon decided he would join his teammates as a Pilot, and made arrangements to get rides to school with the Rochester group.
Once he got his license, Landon began driving himself, using his commuting time to listen to podcasts and classical and Christian music.
Landon has played football for four years and says his happiest memory will be the varsity team’s appearances at the state finals at Ford Field each of those years. A running back, Landon scored some touchdowns and also played on special teams.
He added, “I liked being around the team, the experience I got by maturing, dealing with adversity, and never giving up.”
Landon also pointed to the leadership of the classes ahead of him. “They helped me with who I am today.”
In addition to football Landon also played lacrosse, and made varsity his sophomore year.
Coach Mike Jolly said, “Landon and I met one another when he was a sophomore. He made a terrific, and lasting, impression because of his character and maturity.
“He became completely engaged in learning the higher level nuances of our sport and fitting in and helping out in any way possible. He did not view the move as a reward that made him ‘better’ than his classmates, but rather as an opportunity to grow.”
Jolly went on, “I recall that he reminded me a lot of another Pilot great, Tru Wilson, who went on to become a crowd favorite of the Michigan football faithful.”
Unfortunately, Landon suffered a shoulder injury and his varsity lacrosse season was cut short. His surgery was delayed as COVID restrictions had lifted, allowing hospitals to treat patients with more serious conditions, patients who had waited months.
Landon’s shoulder problems were not over, however.
He had another injury his junior year and went through another surgery.
His medical issues did not hold him back from football.
Varsity Football Coach Dan Rohn has high praise for Landon.
“After back-to-back years where he had to have shoulder surgeries, he stayed committed to helping his team in any way possible,” Rohn said. “He is one of the reasons this year’s team was able to hold it together and compete for the state championship.”
Rohn added, “Landon is a tremendous young man who has embraced everything we want in our students. He works hard and is always willing to help our younger student-athletes.”
Faculty member Scott Grimmer says Landon has helped him with the ninth and tenth-grade Physical Education (PE) classes.
“Sometimes a PE class can be short on numbers, and Landon would come in regularly, and do things like be ‘the all-time quarterback’ and make the game more enjoyable. He is a true leader in the senior class.”
Landon carries a 3.4 cumulative GPA and says his favorite classes in high school have been history and theology. He doesn’t single out any teacher, and says, “I have a lot of respect for all my teachers, and with teachers I don’t have class with.”
Counselor Andrew Campbell says, “He is one of those people who exudes kindness, generosity, and care for his fellow man. Landon is one of the most genuine individuals I have met throughout my career.”
Theology teacher Amanda Hammou observes, “I can always count on Landon to lead by example. He is very perceptive. What makes him so strong is his ability to take action to impact the outcome. When he sees someone working, he’s the first to volunteer to lend a hand. He’ll freely sacrifice his own comfort for the greater good.”
Landon is unsure of his college plans and may pursue a business career.
Now that football season is over, and he “gets home when it’s still light out!”, Landon helps with the family business, Pine Tree Furniture and Lighting in Lake Orion.
He advises freshmen to “take their work seriously, and to enjoy and make as many memories and friends with as many people as they can.”
Jolly said, “He is a good student and a good person, who always makes your day better when your paths cross.
“I love that Landon is being featured in our Senior Spotlight. Our light better be extremely bright to outshine the one that is his own. Thank you, Landon, for making De La Salle Collegiate your home. We are all better because of it.”
Landon Belesky addresses the congregation at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church during Mass before the State Championship football game.