The selection committee for the 2015 Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards announced 15 semifinalists on Monday for what is the largest high school scholarship of its kind in the country.
Connor Elwell of Oak Hill is the lone local player in the running.
Jeff Kane, president of National Distributors, Inc. and Frank Gaziano’s son-in-law, said the semifinalists were chosen from 25 nominees and consist of seven senior offensive linemen and eight senior defensive linemen representing a wide range of high schools across the state. In the weeks ahead, the selection committee will interview each of the semifinalists to determine the finalists.
Elwell, who was the leading tackler for an Oak Hill team that won its third consecutive Class D championship, was nominated for the defensive award along with Elijah Ayotte of Thornton, Tyrell Gullatt of Windham, Logan Herodes of Falmouth, Travon Bradford of Kennebunk, Justin Guerrette of Cape Elizabeth, Frank Curran of Cheverus and Curtis McLeod of Maine Central Institute
Offensive lineman nominees are Charles Kovarik, Portland; Wiley Hollen, Bonny Eagle; Alec Clark, Winslow; Dylan Collin, Mount Desert Island; Isaac Patry, Thornton Academy; Gerry Valliere, Windham; Drew Chamberlain, Falmouth.
Luke Washburn of Oak Hill won the defensive award in 2013.
The scholarship and awards program for Maine high school football linemen was created in 2010 in memory of Frank J. Gaziano, founder of National Distributors in South Portland, and a former college All-American and professional football player with a lifelong passion for local sports. One offensive and one defensive lineman will each receive $5,000 and a first place trophy, and four runners-up will receive $1,000. The award winners will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Augusta Civic Center.
The awards are presented to players who epitomize the character, leadership, and perseverance of Gaziano. The selection committee selects winners based on their strong leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
In 2012, National Distributors, Inc. increased the scholarship amount to $5,000 for the two winners and $1,000 for the two runners-up making it the largest high school football scholarship of its kind in the country. Funding for the $14,000 in total scholarships is provided by National Distributors, Inc. The selection committee will also be securing sponsorships ranging from $50 to $500 so players and families of the student-athletes can attend the awards luncheon ceremony free of charge.
If you are interested in attending the event or contributing to the scholarship fund, contact event coordinator Charlie Gagnon at gazianoawards@gmail.com.
The selection committee for the 2015 Frank J. Gaziano Lineman Awards is chaired by Matt Perkins and also includes Leavitt assistant coach Mark Bonnevie, Pete Cloutier, Chris Davis, Peter DeSimon, Mike Haley, Charles Hews, Luke Libby, Ed McAleney, Dan O’Connell, Bob Sinclair and Stephen Stinson.
For more information on the awards luncheon or the scholarship program, visit www.gazianolinemanawards.org.
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