Congratulations to the 2011 Winner who receives a $7,500 academic scholarship.
ADDISON MARSHALL – FULSHEAR, TX
Marshall and his family were uprooted by Katrina in 2005; then in 2009, he battled leukemia, which returned with a vengeance in April of 2010. But throughout his illness he worked to stay in shape, and he returned to the field this season. Watch his inspirational video!
Runners-Up
Congratulations to the Runners-Up who each receive a $2,500 academic scholarship.
QUINTON ANDERSON – JOPLIN, MO
“Always take that extra step”— that’s Anderson’s motto. He lost both parents and suffered severe leg injuries in the tornado that devastated his town. And yet he attended practice each week and cheered on his teammates from the sidelines. Watch his inspirational video!
SHANE HALPIN – GULF BREEZE, FL
First, Halpin adapted to a disorder that affected his motor processing and coordination skills, earning a spot on the team; then he overcame injuries and infection after being pinned beneath a truck. This season he was captain of the offensive line. Watch his inspirational video!
RASHAWN KING – RALEIGH, NC
Imagine playing while undergoing chemotherapy and you’ll appreciate how tough Rashawn King is. The running back—who was diagnosed with leukemia last year, now in remission—says he “kept pushing” all the way to the state playoffs. Watch his inspirational video!
KALEB MACKEY – AFTON, OK
Mackey, a straight-A student who’s already taking college courses, has cerebral palsy, leaving him with limited use of the left side of his body. But that didn’t stop the lineman from making huge plays. “he’s got the biggest heart,” says his coach. Watch his inspirational video!
Fan Favorite
Congratulations to the Fan Favorite who will receive a $1,500 academic scholarship.
RYAN ANDERSON – KENT, OH
Earlier this year, Anderson was a nationally ranked offensive guard with offers from several colleges. Now he’s battling bone cancer, but with the same determination he brought to the field: “there’s no other option for me than to beat this.” Watch his inspirational video!
Finalists
Congratulations to the Finalists who each receive a $1,000 academic scholarship.
ANDREA MARSH – PANAMA, NY
Who says a girl can’t lace ’em up with the guys? Marsh, who’s played for nine years and whose training methods have included running with a cement block tied to her waist, led her league in interceptions this year and was named a team captain. Watch her inspirational video!
TAYLOR MCKNIGHT – CANYON COUNTRY, CA
He had cranial surgeries and didn’t walk till age 2 due to a genetic condition, but this lineman has made up for lost time, playing ball, coaching kids, and tutoring teammates—a snap for a guy with a 4.08 GPA. Watch his inspirational video!
DAZMOND PATTERSON – PLANT CITY, FL
He was Plant City’s leading running back and is bound for Ohio University next year. At home, he helps his single mom care for two younger siblings and several foster children, all while earning a 4.8 GPA. Watch his inspirational video!
MATT RINIKER – LUXEMBURG, IA
A horrific four-wheeling accident left this fullback with a leg so mangled that he chose to have it amputated, knowing he might never play again. One year later, he’s back on the gridiron, playing with a prosthesis. Watch his inspirational video!
JUAN DIEGO TEMPLE – SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA
Despite losing his dad to cancer in 2009, this lineman, who is active in his school’s community outreach program, has an optimism that makes him “revered by students and staff,” says his coach. Watch his inspirational video!
ANDREW THOMAS – CHADDS FORD, PA
With his dad out of work, this defensive lineman started a lawn care business to support the family. His dad found a job out of state, and then his mom suffered a stroke, so Thomas, a team captain, is caring for his five siblings.
