12/9/2009

Kansas youth selected as a semifinalist for High School Football RUDY Award/nr 12/10/2009.

  
Kyle Weafer leads his teammates onto the field. (courtesy photo)

BEND, Oregon - Trusted Sports’ search for the nation’s most inspiring high school football player has been narrowed to 30 semifinalists from 22 states including Kansas youth, Kyle Weafer.

America can vote for Weafer at www.HighSchoolRUDYawards.com. A $10,000 academic scholarship and the inaugural RUDY Award goes to the winner, with $5,000 scholarships going to each runner-up.

“As the only national award that honors players who bring extraordinary heart, not necessarily extraordinary stats to their sport, we’ve seen an overwhelming response with 396 nominees from 48 states. Our youth are triumphing over significant challenges and we are honored to celebrate that.

Kyle is a hero who committed to his team, showing incredible courage to overcome the challenges of autism to play football,” commented Mr. Edmonds. “I’m inspired by what he, and our other nominees, have overcome. Kyle’s story embodies the qualities we look for in a Rudy Award recipient. Kyle inspired his entire team to contribute more to their own game and in their own lives.”

Weafer’s father Bob, and his coach, Mike Zegunis nominated the Blue Valley Northwest High School senior for the RUDY Award, established by Trusted Sports and Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger.

The award honors student-athletes who most completely represent the ‘Rudy’ on their team…someone whose courage and commitment inspires others to excellence. These same traits were immortalized in the blockbuster film ’RUDY’, starring Sean Astin and Jon Favreau. To connect with the 30 semifinalists’ exciting life stories and vote for your favorite, go to www.HighSchoolRUDYAwards.com.

“When I put him on the bus for their first game I had tears in my eyes” Kyle’s father, Bob Weafer, remembers. “Kyle got in for one play in three different games this season – to the chant of “Kyle, Kyle, Kyle!” In each case, it was truly amazing. It’s as if everyone in the stands hopes he’ll play and knows when it’s going to happen. And when it does, we all know it’s been a great night for the Huskies.”

Three RUDY Awards finalists will be chosen from the 30 semifinalists by the public and our esteemed selection committee, including: Jim Mora Sr., former Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints Head Coach; Andrea Kremer, NBC Football Sideline Reporter; Shaun Alexander, former Seattle Seahawks running back and NFL MVP; Drew Bledsoe, former New England Patriots quarterback and four time Pro Bowl selection; Jenn Brown, Inside the NFL Special Correspondent / ESPN GameDay Correspondent; Mike Smith, the 7th all-time winningest High School Football Coach in America; and Andy Beal, President CBS MaxPreps, Inc. The winners will be announced on February 3rd, 2010.

“I had the great privilege of playing football at many different levels,” said former New England Patriots QB, Drew Bledsoe. “There are inspirational stories at each step but nothing matches the purity of heart and desire of a high school athlete determined to overcome all obstacles. The motivation has nothing to do with money or fame. High school athletes, and especially the ones being considered for the RUDY Awards, are motivated by something far deeper. They strive to prove to themselves and their teammates that there is no injury too severe, no setback too big and no circumstance too difficult to overcome. Hats off to these young men! They remind us of all that is right with athletics.”

Trusted Sports’ goal is that someday soon we will celebrate the ‘‘Rudy’ on every team in America (boys, girls, and all sports) much like we celebrate the most valuable or most improved player. Just as the film ‘RUDY’ transcends playing football for the University of Notre Dame, we hope these awards transcend high school sports. The High School Football RUDY Awards are produced and managed by Trusted Sports.

About Trusted Sports, Inc.:

With more than 70% of kids dropping out of sports before age thirteen, Trusted Sports was created with the mission to motivate kids to thrive in life through sports by inspiring, educating, and uniting young athletes, parents, and coaches. Trusted Sports aims to "Keep Kids in the Game" through exciting initiatives like the RUDY Awards program.

For more information about Trusted Sports and the High School Football RUDY Awards, please visit www.TrustedSports.com.