Earlier this year we wrote about the winner of Trusted Sports’ High School Rudy Awards.  The Awards “honor student-athletes who most completely represent the ‘Rudy’ on their team…someone whose contribution and commitment inspires others to excellence.”

As we said earlier this year, congratulations also go to Trusted Sports for creating a platform to recognize these student-athletes. Considering the number of online votes for the great nominees last year, it is clear that the general public is as moved as we are by what these young folks strive to accomplish.

So to the 2010 Awards. This year’s Nominations close November 23 (GET THOSE VOTES IN!!), with semifinalists being announced December 28. Former New England Patriots quarterback, Drew Bledsoe is the Chairman of the Selection Committee, and helps us honor this kids who bring extraordinary heart to their game, if not always the stats.

As highlighted in last week’s press release,

In 2009, 396 young athletes from 48 states were nominated by coaches, parents and teammates for this prestigious award, and generated over 2.9 million votes and ‘inspires’ from fans across the country. Trusted Sports developed the High School Football Rudy Awards to recognize outstanding youth athletes, not because of their scores or rankings, but because of their ability to inspire teammates, classmates and communities. Selection Committee Chairman, Drew Bledsoe commented, “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 to prove there is no injury too severe, no setback too big and no circumstance too difficult to overcome”.

A total of $25,000 in academic scholarships will be awarded.  The selection committee led by Bledsoe, along with a fan vote will choose the winner who will receive a $10,000 college academic scholarship. Two runners-up and a fan favorite will each receive $5,000 scholarships. Anyone can nominate a player online at http://www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com.

These awards are the epitome of sports doing good. These young men and all of the wonderful people in their lives, i.e. family, friends, teammates, coaches and fans, are inspirational in their love for the game and each other.

Again, this year’s Nominations close November 23 so GET THOSE VOTES IN!!