LBHS player Thomas Kennedy is Rudy award winner from the state of Virginia!

Lord Botetourt’s Thomas Kennedy is the state of Virginia’s semifinalist.

Drew Bledsoe, Chairman of the High School Football Rudy Awards selection committee today announced the top 50 national Semifinalists for the award that is fast becoming known among coaches and communities as a way to honor those players who may not have the stats, but who bring the most heart to the game. More than 12,000 high school football coaches were contacted and invited to nominate the ‘Rudy’ on their team. 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. A complete rundown of the 50 Semifinalists is available at www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com.

Thomas Kennedy of Roanoke, VA was nominated by his coach, Rory Benson. “Thomas is a prototypical old school football player that shows up each day and goes to work,” said Coach Benson. “Thomas has done whatever has been asked of him with no hesitation or question because he is there to benefit the team’s chances of winning football games on Friday nights. Kennedy has been moved to different positions twice in the past two seasons without complaint. He routinely gets double teamed on defense leaving others open for tackles. He has played with a broken thumb, inspiring his teammates with his dedication.

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.

“I read the stories of our top 50 High School Football Rudy Award nominees and then I look back at some of the toughest games I played. Even when I was injured, I didn’t have to deal with anything like what these kids have to handle on a daily basis. Playing in the NFL was an honor, and incredibly rewarding,” said former New England Patriots quarterback, Drew Bledsoe. “It’s also an honor to place the spotlight on these young athletes who are facing inconceivable challenges, yet who soldier on despite the hand they’ve been dealt. Words can’t begin to describe how much respect I have for them all.”

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.

About Trusted Sports

The High School Football Rudy Awards are operated by Trusted Sports, Inc. who has a focus on getting and keeping kids in the game. Trusted Sports empowers young athletes to live up to their full potential through positive sports experiences that form active, healthy habits for a lifetime.

submitted by Trusted Sports, Inc