Trench trophy
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The Trench Trophy is an award which recognizes high school football lineman in the Western New York area. The award was founded by Len Kuhn and Carl Kuras, and is run and sponsored by Lancaster Elks Lodge #1478 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
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[edit] The Award
Players are graded on specific criteria by a group of knowledgeable scouts, known as the Committee. The Committee is composed of coaches, former coaches, and former players, who attend the games of more than 80 schools on a weekly basis. Every week 5 players are chosen as "Nominees," who are then eligible for the final award. After the state championships are over, nominees are broken down to twelve finalists, and then one final winner. The "Lineman of the Year" receives a college scholarship, among other accolades.
[edit] The John Gebhardt Memorial Scholarship
In August 2010, the Trench Trophy announced that their yearly college scholarship was named in honor of founding member and generous contributor John Gebhardt. The John Gebhardt Memorial Scholarship was decided by result of unanimous vote by the Committee. John was a dedicated supporter of the award since its inception.
[edit] The name
The name "Trench Trophy" was approved on August 18, 2003, at the first meeting of the Trench Trophy Committee. It comes from the adage that lineman play in the "trenches."
[edit] Current Committee Officers
- Carl Kuras: Co-Chairman/Founder
- Phil Rizzi: Co-Chairman
- Ed Sciera: Co-Chairman
- Jerry Zajac: Secretary
- Victor Rizzi: Treasurer
- Gary Braun: Trustee
- Dennis Cronin: Trustee
- Chuck Graver: Trustee
- David Hajduk: Trustee
- Robert Keicher: Trustee
- Bill Pukalo: Trustee
- Sibby Constantin: Administrative Assistant
- Len Kuhn: Co-Founder
[edit] Hall of Fame
Past Winners:
- 2003: John Livingston.Eden Raiders
- 2004: Jason weber.Orchard Park Quakers
- 2005: Jesse Jesonowski.Iroquois Chiefs
- 2006: Gil Rodriguez.Frontier Falcons
- 2007: Nick Christman.Sweet Home Panthers
- 2008: John Urschel.Canisius Crusaders
- 2009: Jasen Carlson.Southwestern Trojans
- 2010: Dylan Anna.Pioneer Panthers
[edit] Grading Criteria
- Technique
- Determination
- Aggressiveness
- Intensity
- Ability to be a Team Player
- Coachability
- Consistency
- Courage
- Citizenship
- Scholastic Effort
[Size [height and/or weight] shall NOT be taken into consideration]
[edit] Connolly Cup
In 2007 the Connolly Cup Award and Trench Trophy teamed up, with the support of the Lancaster Elks Lodge.
