Finalists named for NFF scholar-athlete

LARAMIE – Wyoming’s top prep football scholar-athlete for 2008 will be chosen from a field of 12 finalists from 12 different state high schools, according to the Wyoming Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, sponsor of the award.

The finalists will be honored at the Chapter’s 15th annual awards banquet, set for March 21 at the Hilton Garden Inn and University of Wyoming Conference Center.

Additionally, two other prep athletes will be recognized for their courage and perseverance and two University of Wyoming football team members will be honored for their academic and football achievements. All will receive commemorative plaques and $1,200 scholarships from the chapter and the state’s top scholar-athlete, who will be announced at the event, will receive an additional scholarship.

Ten state residents will also be recognized during the banquet for their respective contributions to fandom, contributions to amateur football and achievement in coaching and officiating. The banquet’s keynote address features new University of Wyoming head football coach Dave Christensen.

The 2009 banquet marks the first time the event has been held in Laramie.

Wyoming Chapter President Mike Schutte said the finalists, including a lineman and a back from each division, were chosen from a field of 85 nominations from prep coaches across the state. Recognition as a scholar-athlete is based upon a combination of a player’s academic achievement, football skill and community involvement. Each nominee receives a certificate from the Wyoming Chapter.

Schutte said another sellout crowd is anticipated for the popular banquet. “It is an exciting and motivational evening and anyone can attend," Schutte said.

Tickets are $30 and may be purchased by contacting Schutte at 970-484-2797 or at MShootee@starband.net.

The Wyoming Chapter of the NFF-CHF is the second largest chapter in the nation out of 120 chapters. Schutte said his goal to have the largest chapter from the least populated state is within reach.
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The Wyoming Chapter Selection Committee, based on the high number of outstanding nominations, chose as finalists two backs each from Classes 1-A and 5-A.
Finalists and Special Award Recipients are:
Class 1-A
Trevor Ross, Southeast (lineman)
Rage Geringer, Guernsey Sunrise (back)
Andrew Petersen, Cokeville (back)
Class 2-A
Chad McKinney, Encampment (lineman)
Duell Petsch, Burns (back)
Class 3-A
Casey Hoskinson, Glenrock (lineman)
Duncan Jones, Wright (back)
Class 4-A
Kyle Lenz, Wheatland (lineman)
Gavin Mills, Powell (back)
Class 5-A
Nathan Bales, Green River (lineman)
Tom Earl, Natrona County (back)
Garrett Heusinkveld, Campbell County (back)
University of Wyoming
Michael Ray, Safety
Jake Edmund, Linebacker
The Keith and Joyce Bloom Scholar-Athlete Courage Award
Brett Johnson, Kemmerer
Scholar-Athlete Perseverance Award
Nathan Rogers, Rock Springs
Greatest UW Football Fan
Rod Chisholm, Laramie
Brian Morgen, Sheridan
Greatest High School Football Fan
Van, Barbara and Travis Johnson, Evanston
Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football
Bob Hammond, Laramie
Steve Core, Green River
Troy Wilkinson, Greybull
Football Coach Career Achievement Award
Don Dinnel, Evanston
The Ox Zellner Football Official Career Achievement Award
Rusty Anderson, Casper