Bend, OR September 23, 2009 – Trusted Sports, Inc. and co-founder, Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger announced the search for The Most Inspirational High School Football Player today with $20,000 in college scholarships to be awarded to the top three finalists.
The High School Football Rudy Awards honor high school football players who exemplify the values of inspirational football legend Rudy Ruettiger. The winner will receive a $10,000 academic college scholarship to the college of their choice and will be named ‘The Most Inspirational High School Football Player in America’. The two runners-up will each receive $5,000 academic scholarships.
The award honors student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary character, courage, contribution and commitment as members of their high school football team. Each finalist will be presented with a trophy and an academic scholarship by Rudy Ruettiger whose own story became the subject of the film, RUDY starring Sean Astin and Jon Favreau.
“The Rudy Awards are not about the stats – they’re about the heart,” said CJ Edmonds, CEO of Trusted Sports. “We’re looking for those outstanding players that bring passion and dedication to their game, and who inspire their team. Perhaps they’ve overcome a significant life challenge, yet they still turn up for practice, show respect for their coach and team, and give it everything they’ve got.” “America needs heroes right now,” he continues, “and we’re going to uncover those high school heroes and honor them”.
The High School Football Rudy Awards were inspired by the College Football Rudy Awards, now in their third year. Three High School Football Rudy Award finalists will be chosen by a Selection Committee and honored at an event in March, 2010. The 2009 Selection Committee includes MaxPreps.com CEO and founder, Andy Beal; former New England Patriots quarterback and four time pro bowl selection, Drew Bledsoe; NBC Football Sideline Reporter, Andrea Kremer; New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts Head Coach, Jim Mora Sr., and Mike Smith, head coach from Hampton High School (Hampton, VA). Mike is just one of seven high school football coaches in national history with over 400 wins.
“Football season – you gotta love it! I’m fortunate that those twenty seven seconds playing for Notre Dame changed my life,” explained Rudy Ruettiger. “I strive to surround myself with people who inspire and motivate me. I challenge anyone to come to our site, read these uplifting stories and not be moved. Our youth are overcoming adversity every day, and yet going on to inspire their entire team, and town. I cannot think of a better role model today than one who demonstrates great character, courage, contribution and commitment."
Nominations are currently being accepted at www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com. Anyone can nominate a football player they believe to be a ‘Rudy’. America can support their favorite candidate online. Nominations close November 30, 2009.
The High School Football Rudy Awards are produced and managed by Trusted Sports Inc., a Bend, Oregon based company that motivates kids to thrive in life through sports by positively connecting young athletes, parents and coaches through fun, education, and inspiration. For more information about Trusted Sports, please visit www.TrustedSports.com. View the High School Football Rudy Award video |
