FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNIVERSITY OF AKRON'S LEVON MOREFIELD
WINS THIRD ANNUAL
COLLEGE FOOTBALL RUDY AWARD™
Orlando, FL (January 11, 2010) – LeVon Morefield, a junior walk-on running back for the University of Akron Zips, has won the 2009 College Football Rudy Award™ it was announced today by The Rudy Foundation 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Rudy Awards™ honor student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary CHARACTER, COURAGE, CONTRIBUTION and COMMITMENT as members of their teams, on and off the field. These same traits were immortalized in the blockbuster film "RUDY" in 27 seconds and against all odds on a gridiron in South Bend, Indiana, enabling Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger to carve his name into college football lore.
Three award finalists were honored this morning at the College Football Rudy Awards™ breakfast, Presented by Sprint, during the American Football Coaches Association Convention at the Orlando World Center Marriott, in Orlando, FL. Rudy Ruettiger personally presented Morefield with the bronze Rudy Award trophy and the winning scholarship grant was made in his name to the University of Akron general scholarship fund. The other two finalists, Brian Coulter (University of Missouri) and O'Darris D'Haiti (Florida International University), each received a classic finalist award plaque and runners-up grants were made in their names to their respective schools.
"We established this award as a special way to honor and recognize college football players for the size of their hearts instead of the enormity of their stats," said Rudy Ruettiger. "LeVon Morefield is a special young man who personifies the spirit of this award. He has overcome tremendous odds and never let life's challenges keep him from achieving his dreams. He is a great example of the values of character, courage, contribution and commitment."
Morefield's amazing story began by being born one month premature and addicted to crack cocaine as a result of his mother's drug use. Both of his biological parents were crack addicts. Morefield and his older brother, Cliff, never lived in a stable home. They constantly were moved around to live with relatives and friends. Morefield easily could have become a product of his environment, as his brother Cliff did, who now is serving a life sentence in prison. But instead, he took the negatives of his life and turned them into positive energy towards his goal of playing Division I college football.
Morefield is the only four-year walk-on the Akron team. After being redshirted for two seasons, he made the travel squad in 2008 but did not see game action. In 2009 he battled his way onto the field on special teams through hard work, consistency and perseverance. As a non-scholarship player, Morefield managed to do all this while working close to 70 hours a week, at three different jobs, to pay for his school.
Morefield emerged as the 2009 Rudy Award winner amongst stiff competition, as the Award continues to grow into a top collegiate honor. Forty-nine of the 120 Division I FBS football programs and all Division I FBS Conferences were represented in the Rudy Awards™ nominations. More than 60,000 fans contributed online votes this year, which were tallied together to count as a member of the Selection Committee.
The 2009 Award Selection Committee included football coaches Barry Alvarez, David Bailiff, Gary Barnett, Fisher DeBerry, Dennis Franchione, June Jones, Chuck Knox, Gary Patterson, Buddy Pough, Jackie Sherrill and Dick Tomey, as well as former Washington Redskins Quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams and Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson. Prominent businessman Peter Murphy, Jr., again served as Chairman.
Terry Clayton, then a senior linebacker at the University of Kentucky, who, despite losing his hearing at the age of five, persevered as a walk-on for the Kentucky football team for five seasons and twice was named to the Southeast Conference Academic Honor Roll was the recipient of the 2007 INAUGURAL College Football Rudy Award™.
Drew Combs, then a senior kickoff specialist for Texas Christian University, who, despite being born with a left arm that ends at his elbow, made the TCU football team as a walk on and became a key weapon on special teams, was the recipient of the 2008 College Football Rudy Award™.
"You're five foot nothin', a hundred and nothin', and you have nearly a speck of athletic ability. And you hung in there with the best college football team in the land for two years. And you're getting a degree from the University of Notre Dame. In this life, you don't have to prove nothin' to nobody but yourself."
- Fortune (as played by Charles S. Dutton) in the film "RUDY."
About The Rudy Foundation
The Rudy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and recognition of those who aspire to fulfill their dreams through character, courage, contribution and commitment. Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger and his wife Cheryl founded The Rudy Foundation in 1997. Members of the board of directors include Jerome Bettis, Ross Browner, Rick Mirer and Aaron Taylor.
The son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy Ruettiger rose from valleys of discouragement to the pinnacles of success. Today, he is one of the most popular motivational speakers in the U.S. It took years of fierce determination, yet Rudy achieved his first dream -- to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish. As fans cheered RU-DY, RU-DY, he sacked the quarterback in the only play in the only game of his college football career. Rudy Ruettiger remains the only player in the school's history ever to be carried off the field on his teammates' shoulders.
In 1993, TRISTAR Productions immortalized his life story with the blockbuster film, "RUDY." Written and produced by Angelo Pizzo and David Anspaugh, the critically acclaimed movie continues to inspire millions worldwide.
In addition to his motivational speaking, Rudy Ruettiger has co-authored several books, including: "Rudy's Insights for Winning in Life," "Rudy's Lessons for Young Champions," and "The Rudy In You," and has produced the Dream Power audio series.
The Rudy Foundation supports many youth programs including youth sports, music, and the performing arts. For more information about the Rudy Foundation please visit our website at www.RudyFoundation.org and www.RudyAwards.com.
Media Contact:
Jeff McKenzie
The Rudy Foundation
(646) 246-2480
Jeff@CoachingCharities.com
Brian Coulter (Missouri),
O'Darris D'Haiti (Florida International), &
LeVon Morefield (Akron)
Named As Finalists for Third Annual
College Football Rudy Awards™
More Than 60,000 Fans Vote as Part of Selection Committee
Las Vegas, NV (December 17, 2009) – Brian Coulter (University of Missouri), O'Darris D'Haiti (Florida International University) and LeVon Morefield (University of Akron) have been named as finalists for the Third Annual College Football RUDY AWARDS™, it was announced today by The Rudy Foundation 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Forty-nine of the 120 Division I FBS football programs and all Division I FBS Conferences were represented in the nominations for the Award, which honors student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary Character, Courage, Contribution and Commitment as members of their collegiate football teams. These same traits were immortalized in the blockbuster film RUDY in 27 seconds and against all odds on a gridiron in South Bend, Indiana, enabling Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger to carve his name into college football lore. More than 60,000 fans contributed online votes this year, which tallied together to count as a member of the Selection Committee.
The three finalists will be honored during the Third Annual College Football RUDY AWARDS™ breakfast, Presented by Sprint, to be held in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Association Convention at 8:30 a.m. ET on January 11, 2010, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, in Orlando, FL. Rudy Ruettiger will personally present each individual with a classic finalist award and an academic scholarship will be made in his name to the general scholarship fund of his college or university. One overall winner will be presented with the bronze
RUDY AWARD trophy and top scholarship.
"We established this award as a special way to honor and recognize college football players for the size of their hearts instead of the enormity of their stats," said Rudy Ruettiger. "This year's finalists again are true role models demonstrating exemplary Character, Courage, Contribution and Commitment. It was great to see more than 40% of the Division I football programs submit nominations, and to have more than 60,000 fans vote along with our prestigious Selection Committee, as we continue to build the RUDY AWARDS™ into a top collegiate honor."
About the 2009 Finalists
University of Missouri Tigers senior defensive end Brian Coulter has overcome what most would consider impossible odds. Family violence spiraled out of control in his childhood home. His mother, in self defense, shot and killed his father. Coulter and his siblings were separated and forced into foster care. Then the harsh realities of Hurricane Katrina forced him out of the one positive foster care situation he found. Coulter didn't just survive, though -- he excelled. He worked hard and followed his dream of playing Division I football. Coulter went on to become a 1st team All-Region Junior College defensive end, before transferring to Missouri. But a foot injury caused him to tumble down the depth chart. Again, Coulter battled back, secured a starting role and became a dominant force on defense. With a maturity level that few of his teammates can match, Coulter never made excuses. His work ethic makes him a leader on the field and an inspiration to his teammates in the weight room and locker room. On campus, Coulter was the recipient of the Mizzou ROARS Courage Award, which is voted on by all the Missouri student athletes in recognition of outstanding courage and perseverance.
Florida International University Golden Panther walk-on, senior defensive back O'Darris D'Haiti was cut from the team the first time he tried out. His hard work has since earned him playing time on special teams and eventually as a defensive starter. D'Haiti, according to his coaches, never complains and always gives maximum effort. His day is nothing like that of the typical student-athlete. During road trips, the team often arrives back to Miami at 4 or 5 a.m., just a few hours before D'Haiti has to get to work for his 15 hour per day job. Keeping his schedule is not easy, yet he manages to stay on task and help his family and take care of his younger sister, Gabrielle. His attitude and work-ethic are an inspiration to his team.
The University of Akron Zip walk-on, junior running back LeVon Morefield, it was stated in the school's nomination materials, was born one month premature, and addicted to crack cocaine as a result of his mother's drug use. Both of his biological parents were crack addicts. Morefield and his older brother, Cliff, never lived in a stable home. They constantly were moved around to live with relatives and friends. Morefield easily could have become a product of his environment, as his brother Cliff did, who now is serving a life sentence in prison. But instead, Morefield took the negatives of his life and turned them into positive energy towards his goal of playing Division I college football. Morefield is the only four-year walk-on the Akron team. After being redshirted for two seasons, he made the travel squad in 2008 but did not see game action. In 2009 he battled his way onto the field on special teams through hard work, consistency and never giving up. As a non-scholarship player, Morefield managed to do all this while working close to 70 hours a week, at three different jobs, to pay for his school.
The Selection Process
The 2009 Award Selection Committee includes football coaches Barry Alvarez, David Bailiff, Gary Barnett, Fisher DeBerry, Dennis Franchione, June Jones, Chuck Knox, Gary Patterson, Buddy Pough, Jackie Sherrill and Dick Tomey, as well as former Washington Redskins Quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams and NFL Hall of Fame member Eric Dickerson. Prominent businessman Peter Murphy, Jr., again serves as Chairman. Fan votes for the RUDY AWARDS™ also contribute to the Selection Process.
Terry Clayton, then a senior linebacker at the University of Kentucky, who, despite losing his hearing at the age of five, persevered as a walk-on for the Kentucky football team for five seasons and twice was named to the Southeast Conference Academic Honor Roll was the recipient of the 2007 Inaugural College Football Rudy Award.
Drew Combs, then a senior kickoff specialist for Texas Christian University, who, despite being born with a left arm that ends at his elbow, made the TCU football team as a walk on and became a key weapon on special teams, was the recipient of the 2008 College Football Rudy Award.
"You're five foot nothin', a hundred and nothin', and you have nearly a speck of athletic ability. And you hung in there with the best college football team in the land for two years. And you're getting a degree from the University of Notre Dame. In this life, you don't have to prove nothin' to nobody but yourself."
- Fortune (as played by Charles S. Dutton) in the film RUDY.
About The Rudy Foundation
The Rudy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and recognition of those who aspire to fulfill their dreams through character, courage, contribution and commitment. Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger and his wife Cheryl founded The Rudy Foundation in 1997. Members of the board of directors include Jerome Bettis, Ross Browner, Rick Mirer and Aaron Taylor.
The son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy Ruettiger rose from valleys of discouragement to the pinnacles of success. Today, he is one of the most popular motivational speakers in the U.S. It took years of fierce determination, yet Rudy achieved his first dream -- to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish. As fans cheered RU-DY, RU-DY, he sacked the quarterback in the only play in the only game of his college football career. Rudy Ruettiger remains the only player in the school's history ever to be carried off the field on his teammates' shoulders.
In 1993, TRISTAR Productions immortalized his life story with the blockbuster film, "RUDY." Written and produced by Angelo Pizzo and David Anspaugh, the critically acclaimed movie continues to inspire millions worldwide.
In addition to his motivational speaking, Rudy Ruettiger has co-authored several books, including: "Rudy's Insights for Winning in Life," "Rudy's Lessons for Young Champions," and "The Rudy In You," and has produced the Dream Power audio series. For more information visit: www.RudyAwards.com.
Media Contact:
Jeff McKenzie
The Rudy Foundation
(646) 246-2480
Jeff@CoachingCharities.com
Nominations Open For Third Annual College Football Rudy Award, Honoring Division I Players Who Demonstrate Exemplary Character, Courage, Contribution and Commitment
as Members of Their Team
LAS VEGAS, NV (October 29, 2009) – Nominations are now open for the Third Annual College Football Rudy Award, it was announced today by The Rudy Foundation 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Award honors NCAA Division I student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary CHARACTER, COURAGE, CONTRIBUTION and COMMITMENT in their lives both on and off the field. These same traits were immortalized in the blockbuster film "RUDY" in 27 seconds and against all odds on a gridiron in South Bend, Indiana, enabling Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger to carve his name into college football lore.
Three RUDY AWARD finalists will be chosen by the Selection Committee and honored at a breakfast to be held in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Convention on January 11, 2010, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, in Orlando, FL. Rudy Ruettiger will personally present the awards.
Each finalist will be presented with a Rudy Awards plaque, an academic scholarship awarded in their name to their university, as well as have travel expenses paid to the awards ceremony event. An overall winner will be chosen and presented with the Rudy Awards Trophy and the top academic scholarship awarded in their name to their university.
"We established this award as a special way to honor and recognize college football players for the size of their hearts instead of the enormity of their stats," said Rudy Ruettiger. "Our society looks to athletes as role models... and I cannot think of a better role model than one who demonstrates great character, courage, contribution and commitment. The first two years of our Awards program were tremendous successes and we are excited to continue to build the RUDY AWARD into one of the top collegiate honors."
The 2009 Award Selection Committee includes football coaches Barry Alvarez, David Bailiff, Gary Barnett, Fisher DeBerry, Dennis Franchione, June Jones, Chuck Knox, Gary Patterson, Buddy Pough, Jackie Sherrill and Dick Tomey, as well as former Washington Redskins Quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams and NFL Hall of Fame member Eric Dickerson. Prominent businessman Peter Murphy, Jr., will again serve as Chairman.
Nominations can be submitted online at www.CollegeRudyAwards.com and can be submitted on behalf of a Division I collegiate player of any age or year in school (freshman through senior) who is a member of the 2009 football team. The head coach must approve each nominee. The Award is not specifically for walk-on players, but rather players that demonstrate character, courage, contribution and commitment as members of their team. Deadline for nominations is Monday, November 30, 2009.
Terry Clayton, then a senior linebacker at the University of Kentucky, who, despite losing his hearing at the age of five, persevered as a walk-on for the Kentucky football team for five seasons and twice was named to the Southeast Conference Academic Honor Roll was the recipient of the 2007 INAUGURAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL RUDY AWARD.
Drew Combs, then a senior kickoff specialist for Texas Christian University, who, despite being born with a left arm that ends at his elbow, made the TCU football team as a walk on and became a key weapon on special teams, was the recipient of the 2008 COLLEGE FOOTBALL RUDY AWARD.
"You're five foot nothin', a hundred and nothin', and you have nearly a speck of athletic ability. And you hung in there with the best college football team in the land for two years. And you're getting a degree from the University of Notre Dame. In this life, you don't have to prove nothin' to nobody but yourself."
-- Fortune (as played by Charles S. Dutton) in the film "RUDY."
About The Rudy Foundation
The Rudy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and recognition of those who aspire to fulfill their dreams through character, courage, contribution and commitment. Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger and his wife Cheryl founded The Rudy Foundation in 1997. Members of the board of directors include Jerome Bettis, Ross Browner, Rick Mirer and Aaron Taylor.
The son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy Ruettiger rose from valleys of discouragement to the pinnacles of success. Today, he is one of the most popular motivational speakers in the U.S. It took years of fierce determination, yet Rudy achieved his first dream -- to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish. As fans cheered RU-DY, RU-DY, he sacked the quarterback in the only play in the only game of his college football career. Rudy Ruettiger remains the only player in the school's history ever to be carried off the field on his teammates' shoulders.
In 1993, TRISTAR Productions immortalized his life story with the blockbuster film, "RUDY." Written and produced by Angelo Pizzo and David Anspaugh, the critically acclaimed movie continues to inspire millions worldwide.
In addition to his motivational speaking, Rudy Ruettiger has co-authored several books, including: "Rudy's Insights for Winning in Life," "Rudy's Lessons for Young Champions," and "Rudy & Friends," and has produced the Dream Power tape series. For more information, or to make a donation visit: www.CollegeRudyAwards.com.
Media Contact:
Jeff McKenzie
The Rudy Foundation
(646) 246-2480
Jeff@CoachingCharities.com
News
January 12, 2008
Drew Combs of Texas Christian University Wins 2008 College Football Rudy Award
December 16, 2008
Dan Cafaro (Pittsburgh), Drew Combs (Tcu) and Nic Harris (Oklahoma) Named As Finalists for College Football Rudy Award
December 9, 2008
College Football Rudy Award Attracts 53 Nominations from Division I Football Programs
November 3, 2008
Nominations Open for Second Annual College Football Rudy Award
January 8, 2008
Terry Clayton, Senior Linebacker at the University of Kentucky, Wins Inaugural Rudy Award
December 21, 2007
Four Division I Football Players Named As Finalists for Inaugural Rudy Award
November 15, 2007
Inaugural Rudy Award to Honor Division I Football Players Demonstrating Exemplary Character, Courage, Contribution and Commitment As Members of Their Team
Articles
Jan. 14, 2009 -
Mighty Quinn: Jan. 14 - nydailynews.com
Jan. 12, 2009 -
Horned Frogs' Combs wins Rudy Award - CBSSports.com
Dec. 17, 2008 -
Harris a Rudy Award finalist - newsok.com
Dec. 16, 2008 -
Dan Cafaro Named Finalist for 2008 "Rudy Award" - pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com
Dec. 16, 2008 -
TCU's Drew Combs Named as a Finalist for the Rudy Award - themwc.com
Dec. 16, 2008 -
Former Spartans nominated for Rudy Awards - chron.com
Dec. 16, 2008 -
OU's Harris finalist for Rudy Award - tulsaworld.com
Dec. 15, 2008 -
Senior safety Andrew Williams - chronicle.augusta.com
Dec. 12, 2008 -
Driven to succeed - coloradoan.com
Dec. 12, 2008 -
Graff nominated for award - 2theadvocate.com
Dec. 12, 2008 -
McGee nominated for Rudy Award - aggiesports.com
Dec. 11, 2008 -
Campbell nominated for Rudy Award - themercury.com
Dec. 11, 2008 -
FAU's Michael Hancock Nominated for Rudy Award - fausports.cstv.com
The MWC.com
Dec. 10, 2008 -
ACC's 'Rudy' nominations: The untold stories - ESPN.com
Dec. 10, 2008 -
Five Big Ten players nominated for Rudy Award - ESPN.com
Dec. 10, 2008 -
Drew Combs - TCU Football - YouTube: TCU
Dec. 9, 2008 -
Rudy Award nominee - TheBootleg.com
Dec. 9, 2008 -
Rudy Has His Own Award Now - journalgazette.net
Dec. 9, 2008 -
Joel Adams Nominated For Rudy Award - CUBuffs.com
Dec. 9, 2008 -
Bruggeman Nominated For Rudy Award - hawkeyesports.com
Dec. 9, 2008 -
Wildcats Defensive End Nominated for College Football Rudy Award - wibw.com
Dec. 9, 2008 -
Got to love the Rudy Award - Daily Camera
Jun. 12, 2008 -
Roll over Rudy, here comes Marcus - lakeoswegoreview.com
Dec. 21, 2007 -
Sun Devils' Herring a 'Rudy' finalist - The Arizona Republic
Dec. 21, 2007 -
Clayton a Finalist for RUDY Award - UKathletics.com
Dec. 21, 2007 -
Knights' Robenson Jean a finalist for "Rudy" award - Orlando Sentinal
Dec. 21, 2007 -
UK's Clayton a finalist for RUDY Award - WKYT.com