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April 3, 2008 - Vol. 4, Issue 7

Building Leaders Through Football

Auburn Chapter Celebrates 10th Annual Banquet

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Tiger coordinators Franklin and Rhoads provide 2008 season insights.

ith nearly 150 people in attendance, The Auburn Chapter held its 10th Annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet March 28, highlighting the achievements of seven scholar-athletes for their academic and athletic prowess. Former Auburn linebacker Bill Cody, a 1965 AllSEC and All-SEC Academic honoree, gave the keynote address. Known as “Wild Bill” to Auburn fans, Cody engaged the crowd with tales of his on field exploits while also highlighting the importance of excelling in the classroom. The evening also featured updates from Auburn offensive coordinator Tony Franklin and Auburn defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads. Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville attended, helping Chapter President Trey Johnston with the presentation of the awards. Former Auburn player and now Auburn Dean of Agriculture Richard Guthrie received the chapter’s Distinguished American Award, and former Auburn and Dallas Cowboys fullback Tommy Agee accepted the Outstanding Contributor to Amateur Football award. Three Auburn players took home scholarships totaling $1,500: Jackson Timmerman (OL), Danny Perry (FB), and Tommy Trott (TE), and four high schools scholar-athletes also received recognition: Nick Clayton (Opelika HS); Brooks Robinson (Opelika HS and will attend Troy University); Trevor Ramsey (Auburn HS); and Josh Hundley (Lee-Scott Academy and will attend Huntingdon College). Banquet Photo Credits: David Dismukes.■

Auburn Chapter HS Scholar-Athletes: Trevor Ramsey, Josh Hundley, Brooks Robinson, Nick Clayton, & Coach Tommy Tuberville. www.footballfoundation.org

Auburn TE Tommy Trott claimed a chapter scholarship. He was one of three Tigers recognized by the chapter.

Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville and former Auburn All-SEC player Bill Cody attend the event.

Auburn Chapter President Trey Johnston thanks Tiger legend Tommy Agree for his contributions to the amateur game.

Auburn offensive coordinator Tony Franklin gives a few insights into the Tigers squad for the 2008 season.

Auburn Chapter Collegiate Scholar-Athletes: Tommy Trott, Danny Perry, Jackson Timmerman, & Chapter President Trey Johnston. Page 1

April 3, 2008

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Scholar-Athlete Andrew Oxenrider

Coal Region Football Unique to the Core

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Schuylkill Chapter Hosts 47th Annual Banquet

Scholar-Athlete Ryan Herring

ith a rich history, which includes the Pottsville Maroons and the “disputed” 1925 NFL Championship, Schuylkill County, Pa., boasts one of the proudest football followings in the land, and the Schuylkill/Pottsville Chapter has ensured that the NFF has had a strong presence in promoting coal region football since its founding in 1961. March 28 saw the continuation of the NFF’s legacy in the region as the chapter honored 14 scholar-athletes, including Travers Schmidt of Tamaqua Area HS, who claimed the chapter’s top scholar-athlete award and is headed to Cornell, and Matt Stankiewitch, a tackle at Blue Mountain HS who has earned an athletic scholarship to Penn State. Colleges selected by the other honorees include St. Joseph’s, Scranton, Niagara, King’s College, Wilkes, and Kutztown. The event attracted a crowd of 264 people, and the chapter distributed a total of $2,600 in scholarships while also recognizing the region’s 2007 championship coaches for their outstanding seasons. Dr. James Gallagher, Pottsville Area School District Superintendent, delivered the keynote address: “An Educator’s View of a Scholar-Athlete.” Several VIPs attended, including State Senator James J. Rhoades, Pottsville Mayor John D.W. Reiley, and Schuylkill County Commissioners Mantura Gallagher and Francis McAndrew. Per tradition, the chapter identified sponsors who brought six freshmen from each of the area high schools to the event, challenging the freshmen to earn a return trip in their senior year. Behind the leadership of Chapter President Dave Holley and chapter officers Tom Demko, Jim Miller and Charles Miller, new generations of coal region football players will continue to be challenged by the NFF’s mission. ■

Travers Schmidt of Tamaqua Area HS accepted the chapter’s top scholarathlete award. He’ll attend Cornell in the fall.

Scholar-Athlete Matt Stankiewitch (right), a tackle at Blue Mountain HS, played in the Under Armour HS All-America Game and will attend Penn State.

Chapter Members: Dr. William Davidson, Bob Mills, Frank Madara, Chapter President Dave Holley (standing) and Charles Miller.

The Pottsville HS freshman representatives made up six of the 84 young players invited to attend and encouraged to earn a return trip in three years.

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April 3, 2008

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Delaware Valley Chapter Distributes $38,000

he Delaware Valley Chapter, one of the most established NFF chapters in the nation, passed out 40 awards at their 46th Annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet March 16 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Princeton, N.J. Thirty high scholar-athletes, representing seven counties in Central New Jersey, claimed honors alongside three collegiate players while the chapter distributed $38,000 in scholarships. Former NY Giants QB and Delaware All-America Scott Brunner and Kelly Myers, an insurance executive, did the yeoman’s work in rasing the funds. Danny Fitzsimmons of Hunterdon Central Regional HS, took home the top award of $5,000, and he’ll play football in the fall at Princeton. At wide receiver and linebacker, Fitzsimmons led the Red Devils to back-toback state championships. His coach, Matt Perott, claimed the Hank Johns Coach of the Year Award at the event. Andy Larkin and Dan Dornacker from the College of NewJerseyandRobTorescofromPrincetonclaimedthecollegiate scholar-athlete awards. It was a return trip for Larkin and Toresco, who both were honored by the chapter as high school students. The chapter presented its Robert F. Casciola Distinguished American Award to Chris Vernon, the president of Mercer Management and Development, and Jim Fisher, the managing member of Fisher Capital Corp., was honored with the Contribution to Amateur Football Award. Jim Wilno claimed the Jack Millard Officials Award for his more than 40 years of officiating. Mike Brodock of the Florence Pop Warner League picked up the Contribution to Youth Football Award while 10 year-old David Dudeck of the Hamilton Pop Warner League took home the Little Scholar-Athlete Award. Chapter President Eric Hamilton, board member George Wah and others continue with their leadership positions in making the chapter one of the busiest in the nation. ■

Photo Credit: Beverly Schaefer

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Scholar-Athletes selected from seven New Jersey Counties

Princeton Scholar-Athlete Rob Toresco

College of New Jersey Scholar-Athlete College of New Jersey Coach and Dan Dornacker Chapter President Eric Hamilton

The 2008 Delaware Valley Chapter Honorees and Scholar-Athletes. www.footballfoundation.org

College of New Jersey Scholar-Athlete Andrew Larkin

The Delaware Valley Chapter Board of Directors. Page 3

April 3, 2008

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57 Scholar-Athletes Speak

San Fernando Valley Chapter uses an interview technique to keep a brisk pace.

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he San Fernando Valley Chapter honored 57 scholar-athletes March 11 at its 34th Annual Awards Banquet at the Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City, Calif. Giving each honoree his due, the chapter used an interview technique rather than allowing the scholar-athletes speeches. The result: 57 interviews completed in less than one and half hours. The chapter, led by President Jim Lofdahl, believes the format gives the audience an appreciation for each individual scholar-athlete. Sam Lagana, associate vice chancellor at Pepperdine University, served as the emcee, keeping the event moving with swift and insightful interview questions. The crowd of 485 people also had the opportunity to hear from 1964 Heisman Trophy winner John Huarte, who gave the keynote address. The former Notre Dame quarterback was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Two of the chapter’s scholar-athletes have earned scholarships to Huarte’s alma mater: Joseph Fauria, a TE from Crespi Carmelite HS and Dayne Crist, a QB at Notre Dame HS. The chapter distributed a total of $5,000 in scholarships, and Raul Jacobo of Reseda HS won the Most Improved GPA Award and a $1,000 scholarship. As a freshman Raul posted a 0.19 GPA, but he turned the corner through perseverance, determination and several new role models that were lacking. He now owns a 3.2 GPA. Jacobo’s story stands as an example of a young man who was headed for serious trouble as a freshman, and with the help of Reseda coach Alonso Arreola and teammate Giovannie Dixon, he learned the importance of education and the opportunities beyond the field. ■

Notre Dame College Football Hall of Famer and 1964 Hiesman Trophy winner John Huarte visits with Fighting Irish recruits Joseph Fauria and Dayne Crist.

Left Photo: Dayne Crist. Right Photo: Raul Jacobo of Resda HS and College Hall of Famers John Huarte.

San Fernando Valley Scholarship Winners: Rafael Lopez, Birmingham HS; Jose Favela, Discovery Prep; Raul Jacobo, Reseda HS; Tyler Beaudette, Littlerock HS; Chance Cross, Simi Valley HS. www.footballfoundation.org

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April 3, 2008

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Photos Border-to-Border and Coast-to-Coast

Toledo Chapter member Michael Wilcox, CEO of Wilcox Financial and a Bowling Green State Board of Trustee member, receives the Champion of Life award from Merceria Ludgood, Mobile County Commissioner, as part of the GMAC Bowl in January.

At a Eastern Massachusetts Chapter Luncheon, former Brookline HS coach Ed Schuntz (Left) takes a photo with his former player Jim Davis, the founder and CEO of New Balance Shoes, which supports four Play It Smart schools in the greater Boston area.

The NFF Touchdown Club of Houston recently held its Sterling Bank Sportsmanship Luncheon, presented by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Deer Park HS won the Sportsmanship Award, and Joe DeLamielleure, the Michigan State All-America and the Buffalo Bills Pro Football Hall of Famer, was the featured speaker. Pictured: Chapter leader Chris Vaughan, Touchdown Club President Chad Clay, Wade Hopkins of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Deer Park HS captain Chad Littlejohn, Pamela Lovett of the Sterling Bank, and Dear Park HS coach Chris Massey.

Buddy Davidson, one of the founders of the NFF Auburn Chapter in 1999, received recognition last season for his 50-year career as a member of the Auburn Athletics Department. He began his stint with the Tigers in 1957 as a team manager, and he continued fulltime through his retirement last June as an Assistant Athletics Director. Davidson holds an amazing streak of attending 570-plus Auburn football games in a row, stretching back to the Nov. 2, 1957 Auburn-Florida game. In his retirement, he still plans reunion celebrations and other administrative duties at Auburn.

At the Sterling Bank Sportsmanship Luncheon, presented by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, NFF Touchdown Club of Houston Board Members: Fred Curry and College Football Hall of Fame inductee Chris Gilbert from the University of Texas.

Joe DeLamielleure, the Michigan State All-America and the Buffalo Bills Pro Football Hall of Famer, was the featured speaker at the NFF Touchdown Club of Houston Sterling Bank Sportsmanship Luncheon, presented by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

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April 3, 2008

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Photos Border-to-Border and Coast-to-Coast

S.M. McNaughton Chapter: Bob Brown, son of Charlie; Charlie Brown, 2008 Chapter Contribution to Amateur Football Awardee; Larry Anderson, Neville HS player for Charlie before a seven year NFL career; and Bruce Hanks, former athletics director at Louisiana-Monroe.

The Orange County Chapter honored three charter members who have served on its board of directors at various times since its founding in 1970. L-R: Julian Ertz, Jim Beisner, Dick Slaughter. President Dick Whitney made the presentation from the podium.

Former Boilermaker greats Drew Brees, now the All-Pro New Orleans Saints QB, and Rosevelt Colvin, a standout New England Patriots LB, attended last year’s Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana Chapter banquet, which will be held again June 13 in West Lafayette, Ind. Last year Colvin accepted the Drew Brees Mental Toughness Award. Brees will be on hand again to present the award. Brees and wife Brittany recently announced a gift of $2 million to boost the academic side of the Purdue athletics program. Brees was an NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award recipient in 2000.

The Joe Tiller Chapter of Northwest Indiana Chapter helped stage a Punt, Pass & Kick Competition Amy Fread (left), a Purdue senior, records the action as an aspiring QB throws a pass. Fread was one of several people who represented the Joe Tiller Chapter at the first annual competition, which was organized by West Lafayette Flag Football, including NFF Chapter Board Member Jon Speaker. As one of the event’s sponsors, the chapter received $1,300 from the organizers. The money will be used for scholarships at the group’s spring banquet. (Photo Credit: Chris Horney.)

Toledo Chapter president Burt Rogers, University of Cincinnati head football coach Brian Kelly and chapter scholar-athlete Sean Cardone from Southview HS. A First Team All-Conference linebacker, Cardone also was a Second Team All-Ohio selection.

Purdue coach Joe Tiller accepts a plaque from chapter VP Tom Schott, declaring that the chapter has been renamed the “Joe Tiller Chapter of Northwest Indiana.” Tiller played a key role in founding the chapter four years ago, and he helped start the Wyoming Chapter in 1993.

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April 3, 2008

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2008 NFF Chapter Award Banquets

Over the next few months the NFF Chapter Network will distribute nearly $1 million to the best and the brightest from the amateur gridiron at awards banquets nationwide. Covering more than 4,800 high schools and 400,000 student-athletes, the NFF stands as one of the leading voices in the promotion of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal and the drive for academic excellence. Chapter and (Banquet Location)

Date

Chapter and (Banquet Location)

Date

Auburn (Auburn, AL)

Mar. 27, 2008

Bergen County (East Rutherford, NJ)

May TBA, 2008

Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR)

Apr. 12, 2008

South Jersey (Galloway, NJ)

Mar. 2, 2008

Valley of the Sun (Phoenix, AZ)

Feb. 23, 2008

Passaic County (North Hale, NJ)

Mar. 6, 2008

Southern Arizona (Tucson, AZ)

Mar. 2, 2008

Essex County (West Orange, NJ)

Mar. 11, 2008

Northern California (San Francisco, CA)

Feb. 21, 2008

Delaware Valley (Princeton, NJ)

Mar. 16, 2008

Pasadena (Pasadena, CA)

Mar. 3, 2008

Bill Denney (East Brunswick, NJ)

Apr. 6, 2008

Orange County (Anaheim, CA)

Mar. 3, 2008

Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV)

May 23, 2008

Sacramento Valley (Sacramento, CA)

Mar. 5, 2008

Nassau County (Woodbury, NY)

Dec. 2, 2007

San Fernando (Studio City, CA)

Mar. 11, 2008

Suffolk County (Woodbury, NY)

Dec. 9, 2007

Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)

Mar. 14, 2008

Central New York (Verona, NY)

Jan. 27, 2008

Riverside County (Corona, CA)

Mar. 16, 2008

Westchester County (Rye, NY)

Jan. 31, 2008

Walter J. Zable (San Diego, CA)

Mar. 28, 2008

Rochester, (Rochester, NY)

Apr. 27, 2008

San Bernardino (San Bernardino, CA)

May 17, 2008

Southern Tier (Binghamton, NY)

May 4, 2008

Colorado (Denver, CO)

Feb. 18, 2008

Capital District (Albany, NY)

May 12, 2008

Gene J. Casey (New Haven, CT)

Mar. 30, 2008

Columbus (Columbus, OH)

Feb. 11, 2008

Southeastern Conn. (Uncasville, CT)

Apr. 6, 2008

Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH)

Feb, 21, 2008

Ralph DeSantis (Norwalk, CT)

Apr. 10, 2008

Springfield (Springfield, OH)

Mar. 5, 2008

Tampa (Tampa, FL)

Apr. 23, 2008

Toledo (Toledo, OH)

Mar. 10, 2008

Brian Piccolo (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

Apr. 20, 2008

Northeast Ohio (Cleveland, OH)

Apr. 28, 2008

University of Georgia (Athens, GA)

Apr. 21, 2008

Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, OK)

Apr. 15, 2008

Hawaii (Honolulu, HI)

Apr. 27, 2008

Portland (Portland, OR)

Dec. 12, 2007

Iowa (Des Moines, IA)

Mar. 29, 2008

Lehigh Valley (Northampton, PA)

Feb. 10, 2008

Southern Idaho (Boise, ID)

Apr. 26, 2008

Schuylkill/Pottsville (Pottsville, PA)

Mar. 30, 2008

Chicago Metro (Chicago, IL)

Feb. 13, 2008

Central Pennsylvania (State College, PA)

Mar. 30, 2008

Central Indiana (Indianapolis, IN)

Feb. 24, 2008

Philadelphia (Villanova, PA)

May 7, 2008

Joe Tiller/Northwest Indiana (West Lafayette, IN)

June 13, 2008

Rhode Island (W. Warwick, RI)

May 6, 2008

S.M. McNaughton (Shreveport, LA)

Feb. 21, 2008

Midlands (Columbia, S.C.)

Apr. 22, 2008

Allstate Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, LA)

Mar. 18, 2008

Middle Tennessee (Nashville, TN)

Mar. 4, 2008

Western Mass. (Amherst, MA)

Apr. 8, 2008

Tri-Cities (Johnson City, TN)

Mar. 10, 2008

Joe Mewhiney (Marlborough, MA)

May 4, 2008

East Tennessee (Knoxville, TN)

Apr. 19, 2008

Jack Grinold (Boston, MA)

May 12, 2008

Memphis (Memphis, TN)

May 12, 2008

Baltimore (Baltimore, MD)

Mar. 5, 2008

Houston TD Club (Houston, TX)

Nov. 7, 2007

State of Maine (Brunswick, ME)

May 21, 2008

Texas Tech (Lubbock, TX)

Apr. 30, 2008

Michigan (Detroit, MI)

Dec. 12, 2007

Greater Austin (Austin, TX)

May 12, 2008

Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN)

Apr. 27, 2008

Utah (Orem, UT)

Apr. 23, 2008

Tom Lombardo (St. Louis, MO)

May 4, 2008

National Capital (Washington, D.C.)

Apr. 6, 2008

Miss/Lou (Natchez, MS)

Feb. 21, 2008

Commonwealth (Richmond, VA)

Apr. 20, 2008

Montana (Helena, MT)

Apr. 26, 2008

Vermont (Middleburry, VT)

May 4, 2008

Nebraska (Lincoln, NE)

Sept. TBA, 2008

King County (Seattle, WA)

Dec. 16, 2007

Triangle (Raleigh, NC)

Apr. 21, 2008

Clark County (Vancouver, WA)

Jan. 16, 2008

Corrigan/Faircloth (Greensboro, NC)

May 5, 2008

Tacoma (Tacoma, WA)

May 4, 2008

Joe Yukica (Manchester, NH)

May 6, 2008

Wisconsin (Madison, WI)

Apr. 19, 2008

Morris County (Morristown, NJ)

Apr. 21, 2008

Wyoming (Casper, WY)

Mar. 15, 2008

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