FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
 



Phil Marwill
Mobile: 917-579-4256
Email: pmarwill@footballfoundation.com


 

 

NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES
2010 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD WINNERS

Selected from 400,000 high school football players, five outstanding student-athletes are chosen as the best of the best in the country for their combined academic and athletic excellence.

DALLAS, Oct. 12, 2010 - The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced today the five winners of the 2010 NFF National High School Scholar-Athlete Awards with each recipient selected as the best of the best from their region of the country at the high school level. The five winners, who are now playing college football, are being recognized solely for their previous accomplishments in high school.

"With the NFF National High School Scholar-Athlete Awards, we annually strive to honor the absolute finest from the gridiron at the high school level," said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell. "The accomplishments of this year's five nominees make us all proud, and their contributions both on and off the field set the standard for their peers to follow."

 

2010 NFF National High School Scholar-Athlete Honorees
(Currently freshmen in college, the award is solely based on their
high school accomplishments)
 

East Region Northeast Region West Region Midwest Region South Region Selected from the 400,000 high school football players covered by the NFF Chapter Network, the five scholar-athletes will be honored for their high school accomplishments during the NFF Chapter Awards Luncheon Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. First bestowed in 1991, the NFF National High School Scholar-Athlete Awards have become one of the most prestigious high school honors in the country. Criteria for the award include but are not limited to academic achievement, athletic accomplishments and leadership in the community.

With 120 outposts and more than 12,000 members, the NFF Chapter Network covers more than 4,800 high schools and 400,000 student-athletes in 47 states, annually analyzing the credentials of the top student-athletes from each of their regions. The chapters subsequently recognize approximately 3,300 of the best scholar-athletes at their local awards banquets, distributing more than $1 million in scholarships. From this pool of 3,300 scholar-athletes, the chapters nominate a group of finalists, and a national committee makes the final selections on the five winners, one from each region of the country, as the recipients of the NFF National High School Scholar-Athlete Awards.

During the past 19 years, 81 student-athletes have been recognized as NFF National High School Scholar-Athletes, and this year marks the 20th class, creating a new total of 86 all-time honorees. Recent notable recipients include Andrew Luck (2008, starting quarterback at Stanford), Andrew Rodriquez (2008, a starting linebacker at Army) and Bryant Browning (2006, a starting offensive tackle at Ohio State).

Four NFF National High School Scholar-Athletes have gone on to win NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards for their accomplishments in college. They are Bobby Hoying (1991, Ohio State and 1995 William V. Campbell Trophy winner), Eion Hu (1993, Harvard), Giovanni Carmazzi (1995, Hofstra), and Jon Stinchcomb (1998, Georgia).

Other notable past recipients include Todd Helton, who was honored in 1992 before playing quarterback at Tennessee and currently playing first base for the Colorado Rockies. Drew Henson was honored in 1998 before playing quarterback at Michigan quarterback and his professional football and baseball career. Brandon Fisher, the son of Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher, was honored in 2005 before going on to play for the Montana Grizzlies and amassing a 3.9 GPA as a 2009 William V. Campbell Trophy semifinalist.

For tickets to the Dec. 7 luncheon in New York, please contact Ron Dilatush at rdilatush@footballfoundation.com or by calling 972-556-1000. Also at the NFF Chapter Awards Luncheon, five exceptional individuals, selected for their extraordinary dedication and efforts in fulfilling the NFF's mission, will be honored as the recipients of the 2010 NFF Chapter Leadership Awards.

 
Max Coale
East Region
River Hill High School - Clarksville, Md.
NFF Baltimore Chapter


With a considerable set of accomplishments that run the gamut, Max Coale cut an impressive swath of success with his 6'4", 260 pound frame in the Howard County, Md., community.

A three-year starter at offensive and defensive tackle, Coale helped River Hill reach the Maryland state semifinals four times, state championship three times and capture the state title as a sophomore and junior. Coale anchored an offensive line that helped River Hill running backs to accumulate nearly 4,000 yards and 56 touchdowns in the 2009 campaign. Overall, the Hawks garnered a 40-1 record during Coale's time as a starter.

He was named team captain and Most Valuable Player as a senior and participated in the Crab Bowl All-Star Game. Coale was honored by both the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post as a First Team All-Metro performer, and Coale was named the River Hill Outstanding Athlete of the Year as the best male athlete at the school. He also excelled as a lacrosse player, earning all-county and state finalist honors.

In the classroom, Coale was Valedictorian in a class of 342 students and graduated with a perfect, unweighted 4.0 GPA. He made the Honor Roll four times, and he earned a myriad of academic honors, including National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Merit Scholastic Award, AP Scholar with Distinction.

"Max was a three-year starter for us on the offensive line," said River Hill head coach Brian Van Deusen. "During his time here at River Hill, we won 40 consecutive games, three regional championships and two state championships. Max worked extremely hard in the weight room to improve himself, and he ended up being one of our strongest kids and in the 1,000 pound club. His teammates selected him as a team captain because of his strong work ethic and outstanding leadership qualities.

"Max's accomplishments in the classroom and community are just as impressive. He was a pleasure to coach and is a great role model for the younger players in our program. I think that Max is a perfect example of a scholar-athlete; he focused on academics first and was also able to excel in all of his extra-curricular activities. He is a very intelligent, dedicated, well-balanced individual that is an excellent candidate for this scholar-athlete award."

Coale used his standing at River Hill to benefit younger students throughout his academic career. He served as a liaison to incoming high school students, a tutor and in the Best Buddies Mentor Program.

Coale now attends Princeton University and plays offensive line for the Tigers.

 
Lonnie Hackett
Northeast Region
Bangor High School, Bangor, Maine
NFF State of Maine Chapter


Bangor's Lonnie Hackett displayed a hunger for excellence that that has permitted him to succeed at the highest level in academics, athletics and as a leader in the community.

An Honor Roll student with a 4.45 GPA on a 4.0 scale, Hackett maintained a rigorous academic schedule that included numerous AP and Honors courses. He was a member of the National Honor Society as a junior and a senior, competed on the math team and competed in the Northern New England Science Bowl. Hackett was also the recipient of the Superintendent's Award.

As a four-year letter winner at running back and cornerback, Hackett helped Bangor reach the 2007 Eastern Maine Class A Championship. As a senior, he was elected team captain and earned Player of the Week honors four times. The school's all-time leading rusher, Hackett amassed 2,257 yards and 28 touchdowns during his prep career. In the Eastern Maine title game, Hackett carried 35 times for 182 yards and one score that capped an 11-0 season.

"The City of Bangor, Bangor High School's administration and the coaching staff are extremely proud of what Lonnie and his teammates have accomplished both on and off the field," said Bangor head coach Mark Hackett. "He led his senior class to the state championship game while amassing an 11-1 record.

"Lonnie, the offensive line and the rest of his teammates set the single season rushing record at Bangor High School of 2,225 yards, a tremendous achievement that may never be broken. Lonnie and his fellow teammates also accomplished great things in the classroom by placing 15 members of the senior class on the Pine Tree Conference All-Academic team. Lonnie's leadership, determination and tenacity will be missed."

On top of his academic and athletic endeavors, Hackett volunteered his time with the Manna Food Kitchen, Senior League World Series and Bangor Youth Football. He used his math and science talents to tutor younger math students, and participated in a scientific independent study where he inspected the ecosystem health of two local lakes.

Hackett currently attends Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine and plays running back for the Polar Bears.

 
Tevin Hood
West Region
Hamilton High School, Chandler, Ariz
NFF Valley of the Sun Chapter


A singularly dedicated-student athlete, Tevin Hood excelled in all aspects of high school, producing a résumé that won universal admiration from his peers, teachers and coaches at Hamilton High School and throughout the Valley of the Sun.

As a defensive lineman, Hood imposed his will on the field. He was honored by the NFF Valley of the Sun Chapter with the Curly Culp Award as the best defensive lineman in Arizona. He was rated among the state's top 25 players by the Arizona Football Coaches Association as a senior, and he was named All-Arizona by the Arizona Republic, also earning First Team All-State honors.

The team captain, Hood established himself as a fierce tackler, collecting 106 tackles (39 solo), 19 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups his senior season, which ended with a state championship for the Huskies. As a wrestler, Hood was a two-time state champion.

Decorated academically as he is athletically, Hood posted a 4.52 GPA on a 4.0 scale and graduated in the top four percent in a class of 734. Honored by the NFF Valley of the Sun Chapter as a 2010 Scholar-Athlete, he posted three 4.0 academic years. Hood was a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and a National Achievement Semifinalist.

"Tevin was a great athlete and a great player," said Hamilton head coach Steve Belles. "He exemplified everything a high school kids should be in the classroom, out on the field and as a leader. Tevin was the leader of our defensive line. He inspired kids to be better than they were. That's what you look for in a leader."

Hood is also a member of the National Honor Society and a two-year president of the American Studies Club. He served as vice president of the LINK Crew, which helps orient incoming freshmen to high school, and mentored younger student-athletes. Hood volunteered his time visiting children's hospital patients and tutored for three years in the "Read Across America" program.

Hood currently attends Duke University and plays nose guard for the Blue Devils.

 
Daniel Wodicka
Midwest Region
West Lafayette High School - West Lafayette, Ind.
NFF Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana Chapter


Throughout his high school career, Daniel Wodicka established himself as versatile a student-athlete as they come, matching his stellar athletic accomplishments with an impeccable record in the classroom and as a leader in the West Lafayette community.

Named as one of the state of Indiana's top 50 players by the Indiana Football Coaches Association, Wodicka garnered four football letters, playing quarterback, defensive back, wide receiver and running back. After collecting all-state honors at wide receiver as a junior, Wodicka moved to quarterback his senior season and again garnered All-State honors while leading West Lafayette to an undefeated state championship in Class 3A. He earned the state's Mr. Football honors as a senior in 2009, and he was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the Indiana North-South All-Star Game.

In all, Wodicka caught 109 passes for 1,617 yards and 17 touchdowns; rushed for 2,011 yards and 34 scores on 249 carries; and completed 180 of 328 passes for 2,531 yards with 28 touchdowns against just six interceptions. In addition, he returned 35 punts for 436 yards and a touchdown; returned 17 kicks for 352 yards; and collected nearly 200 tackles, 12 interceptions, 26 pass breakups and five fumble recoveries.

With a 3.98 GPA on a four-point scale, Wodicka was valedictorian of his high school class of 165. He was one of five players to earn an Indiana Football Hall of Fame scholarship and was the state's Class 3A Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award recipient.

"What you see is the honest reflection of Daniel," said West Lafayette head coach Marshall Overley. "He is positive and joyful whether he was competing for a state championship, working with elementary players in the summer, competing on the practice field or spending time with Larry, a friend with Down's Syndrome.

"Humility, joy in competition, stability in times of challenge concern for others and just delighting in life are hallmarks of this young man and his family. Daniel is now in the rotation of Johns Hopkins at a slot position. He is working on a degree in Biomedical engineering. If anyone can succeed and enjoy the ride, Daniel can."

Outside the gridiron, Wodicka led a group that earned Indiana's "Best Buddy Pair of the Year," working with a student with Down's syndrome. He played cello in the school orchestra; mentored elementary school football players and visited residents of a local nursing home. He also started at point guard for three years on the West Lafayette basketball team and was a four-year starter in baseball.

Wodicka attends Johns Hopkins University (Md.), studying biomedical engineering and playing wide receiver for the Blue Jays.

 
Ricky Zorn
South Region
Lake Highlands High School - Dallas, Texas
NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas Chapter


Setting a bar that will be difficult to reach, Ricky Zorn built an exceptional and impressive legacy at Lake Highlands High School that extends far beyond the accomplishments of all but the most gifted student-athletes.

A three-year letterman at quarterback and a two-time captain, Zorn earned District 9-5A MVP honors as a junior and a senior on the gridiron. He received Lake Highlands' All-Around Skills award, selected by the Wildcat coaching staff, as a junior.

As a junior, Zorn completed 106 of 193 passes for 1,889 yards and 23 touchdowns, while rushing 164 times for 1,229 yards and 21 scores. In his senior campaign, Zorn connected on 93 of 154 passes for 1,584 yards and 18 touchdowns, gained 1,124 yards rushing with another 12 touchdowns. In all, Zorn accumulated 5,826 yards of total offense and scored 74 touchdowns.

In the classroom, Zorn ranked second in a class of 494 students with a GPA of 102.38 on a 100-point scale. He was selected to the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. He was chosen as the Youth of the Month by the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands for excellence in academics, leadership and community service.

Zorn also established himself as a leader off the field and beyond the classroom. He served as vice president of the World Affairs Club; participated as a member of the Lake Highlands Student Council for four years; and played a role in the Richardson Independent School District Bi-Racial Committee. Selected for the Professional Internship Program during his senior year, he interned at Morgan Keegan, a brokerage and investment banking firm, during the fall semester.

"Ricky Zorn is the athlete every coach would like to have on his team," said Lake Highlands head coach Scott Smith. "His athletic ability speaks for itself, but there is more to Ricky than just athletics. He was very active in his school as well, and he was very involved in his church and with Young Life Ministries as a youth leader in both of those ministries. Ricky was highly involved in many activities and still carried a 102.38 GPA and was ranked number two in a class of 492. The character and leadership abilities that Ricky Zorn possesses are unmatched in my 19-year career as a high school football coach. It was my honor and privilege to have worked with Ricky Zorn."

Zorn currently attends Harvard University and plays defensive back for the Crimson.

  

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION & COLLEGE HALL OF FAME
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. With 121 chapters and 12,000 members nationwide, NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame, Play It Smart, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Alumni Association, the NFF Gridiron Clubs of New York City, Dallas, and Los Angeles, and annual scholarships of more than $1.3 million for college and high school scholar-athletes. The NFF presents the MacArthur Bowl, the Campbell Trophy, endowed by HealthSouth, and releases the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Standings. Learn more at www.footballfoundation.org.