Real life ‘Rudy’s’ honored for inspiring the nation and bringing the most heart to
the game.
High School Football Rudy Awards announce the nation’s top 50 most inspirational
players including Andrew Banner(Eastern Guilford High School) in North Carolina. $25,000 in college scholarships will be awarded to final four.
Bend, OR – November 30, 2010 – Drew Bledsoe, Chairman of the High School Football
Rudy Awards selection committee today announced the top 50 national Semifinalists
for the award that is fast becoming known among coaches and communities as a way to
honor those players who may not have the stats, but who bring the most heart to the
game. More than 12,000 high school football coaches www.highschoolrudyawards.com were contacted and invited to nominate the ‘Rudy’ on their team. The winner will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship to a college of their choice. Two runners-up will each receive $5,000, in addition to a fan favorite determined by online voting. A complete rundown of the 50 Semifinalists is available at
www.highschoolrudyawards.com….
Andrew Banner of Sedalia, NC was nominated by his Coach, Scott Loosemore. Like so
many families who have been affected by the current financial climate, Andrew’s
family has been facing challenging times. His parents have struggled to provide for
their family and Andrew has worked odd jobs over the summer to help support his four
younger brothers and sisters. “Andrew is by no means a gifted athlete and does not
get any playing time; he just wanted to be part of the team, which is why I allowed
him to come out late,” said Coach Loosemore. “He is a good student who has worked
hard on the field and in the classroom. He has never once complained about his
situation.”
Founded by Trusted Sports and Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger
www.highschoolrudyawards.com/content/12_2/About_Rudy.aspx in 2009, this
national award is named for college football’s most famous underdog. Known for
being “5 foot nothing, 100 and nothin’ with barely a speck of athletic ability”,
Ruettiger’s dream of playing football at the University of Notre Dame inspired
millions. Likewise, the 50 Semifinalists are being honored for their courage and
character, and inspirational impact on their teammates and schools.
“I read the stories of our top 50 High School Football Rudy Award nominees and then
I look back at some of the toughest games I played. Even when I was injured, I
didn’t have to deal with anything like what these kids have to handle on a daily
basis. Playing in the NFL was an honor, and incredibly rewarding,” said former New
England Patriots quarterback, Drew Bledsoe. “It’s also an honor to place the
spotlight on these young athletes who are facing inconceivable challenges, yet who
soldier on despite the hand they’ve been dealt. Words can’t begin to describe how
much respect I have for them all.”
The 2010 Selection Committee includes notable sporting personalities such as Leigh Anne Tuohy www.highschoolrudyawards.com/content/102_2/Selection_Committee.aspx,
mother of Baltimore Ravens player Michael Oher and inspirational figure of the film
The Blind Side; Shaun Alexander, former Seattle Seahawks running back and NFL MVP;
and NBC Football Sideline Reporter, Andrea Kremer. America can be inspired by the
player they feel is a ‘Rudy’ online at
www.highschoolrudyawards.com. Online voting
continues through December 28, 2010. Since the site’s launch in 2009, nominees have
received over 3 million votes.
Please get online and vote for this young man. He and his family are very deserving and could really put this young man on a good track in life.