New Jersey high school football in mix for Rudy Awards

BY JOE FAVORITO

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

ON N.J. SPORTS MARKETING

As high school football crowns its champions, the "Rudy" Awards champion the work of some football players

This weekend, from Kean University to Piscataway and up the Turnpike to the New Meadowlands Stadium, New Jersey will crown its high school champions. Memories will be made, scholarships confirmed and good will and pageantry will abound.

Earlier this week however, another series of champions who play football were also announced, two of who have strong ties to the Garden State. They were the national semifinals for the High School "Rudy" Awards, selected by Oregon-based Trusted Sports to honor those young men who use football and life lessons to overcome obstacles not just on the field, but in life itself.

Drew Bledsoe, chairman of the High School Football Rudy Awards selection committee announced the top 50 national semifinalists from over 12,000 potential nominees. 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.

Alex Gilman of Englewood, N.J. was nominated by his Coach, Jim Panepinto. Gilman was born without a left wrist and hand. He has five tiny fingers that are on the end of the stump of his left forearm. Despite these physical challenges, he plays center in football, first base in baseball, and defense in lacrosse.

Thomas Albanese of Toms River, N.J. was nominated by his coach, Daniel Duddy. Albanese has played four years of football but has never made the varsity. Instead he has led by example through his work ethic and school spirit, inspired by the memory of his father, who he lost to cancer when he was in eighth grade. Both boys are prime examples of using sport to overcome physical and emotional challenges to succeed and grow as individuals.

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Founded by Trusted Sports and Daniel ‘Rudy' Ruettiger 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. A complete rundown of the 50 Semifinalists is available at www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com.

The 2010 Selection Committee includes notable sporting 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 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.

The "Rudys" are the latest example of how sport itself can be a social and emotional unifier, and why brands and teams turn to the consumer they can find support for a solid product. While still without major brand support, the "Rudys" are a good example of how a company can get their messaging tied to cause related marketing, and double their dollar spend to grow their product and support those who do well.

And it's great to have the Garden State represented, not once but twice this year. We all probably know a "Rudy," take a look at these two and cast your vote.

Joe Favorito has over 24 years of strategic communications/marketing, business development and public relations expertise in sports, entertainment, brand building, media training, television, athletic administration and business. Visit him at JoeFavorito.com.