High School Football Rudy Award Back For 3rd Year
BEND, OR - The search for the most inspirational high school football player in America
continues as nominations open for the third year of the prep Rudy Award.
As the high school football season kicks off around the nation, many families come together to watch the inspirational and uplifting movie RUDY, based on the true life story of Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger and his dream of playing football for the University of Notre Dame.
Inspireum along with the Trusted Sports Foundation, has taken Rudy’s dream another leap forward by honoring those players who inspire others to ‘get and stay in the game’. With $25,000 in college academic scholarships awarded each year, this “feel good” program searches for nominees from around the nation and honors them for their commitment to excellence, oftentimes in the face of personal challenges,
Drew Bledsoe, former New England Patriots star and four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, is the chairman of the national Selection Committee. Dallas Cowboys quarterback legend Troy Aikman and former New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, both three-time Super Bowl Champions, are new additions to the Selection Committee charged with determining the most inspirational high school player in America.
They join other notable sports personalities such as Leigh Anne Tuohy, mother of Baltimore Ravens player Michael Oher and inspirational figure of the film The Blind Side; Shaun Alexander, former University of Alabama star and NFL MVP as a Seattle Seahawks running back; and Andrea Kremer, award-winning reporter of HBO’s Real Sports.
Since the program’s launch in 2009, nominees have received over 5 million votes and their stories have inspired others to--in the famous words of Rudy--‘Dream Big and Never Quit’.
The awards have placed the spotlight on over 700 players with the Trusted Sports Foundation bestowing over $50,000 in college academic scholarships to high school football players. Twelve finalists will share $25,000 in scholarships with the winner receiving a $7,500 college scholarship. Chance Anthony, 2010 High School Football Rudy Award winner currently
attending East Kentucky University, aims to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a state
trooper.
Anyone can nominate the ‘Rudy’ on his/her team at www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com starting Sept. 15. Images and video can also be uploaded and are encouraged. Online voting commences Sept. 30 and continues after the Top 50 semifinalists are announced Nov. 1. The Top 12 are chosen Dec.11 and the winner, four runners-up and one fan favorite are announced Jan. 15, 2012. The awards ceremony takes place in the winner’s high school in February.