FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – March 19, 2024 – Denzel Schuna (Como Park Senior High School) and Eathan Martinez (Tracy Area High School) have been named this year’s Stacy Robinson Leadership Award winners by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. 

Schuna and Martinez are set to be honored on April 14 during a private ceremony at the Minnesota Vikings’ TCO Performance Center. The April event will be taped and broadcast during the Minnesota Football Honors television show, which is slated to air in August.

“Our chapter is thrilled to honor Denzel and Eathan for the impact they have made as leaders on the playing field, in the classroom and community,” said Todd Fultz, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. “Their leadership skills and positive energy influenced everyone they came in contact with during games, outreach events and classroom activities. Denzel and Eathan represent everything this award is all about and we can’t wait to spotlight them during this year’s Minnesota Football Honors broadcast.”

Here are quick snapshot biographies for each award winner: 

Denzel Schuna - Como Park Senior High School: 

Denzel Schuna’s impact extended beyond the playing field. Schuna, an offensive and defensive lineman for Como Park Senior High School, positively influenced his community and classroom. His reliability, positivity and upbeat personality brought the best out of those around him. Schuna volunteered to help younger players and became a key role model for them. He also used his musical talents throughout the local community. Schuna, an active choir member, sang the National Anthem before home football games. In addition, he displayed similar leadership skills while participating in track and field. 

Quote from Como Park head coach Kirby Scull: “Denzel is a young man that is reliable and can be counted on to fulfill his commitments. Before practice you can find Denzel working with younger inexperienced players on their footwork, hand positioning, stance, blocking techniques or just encouraging them with upbeat, positive words. Denzel’s teammates truly know that he cares deeply about them and wants to help them to improve. He attends every lower-level game to support, coach, and encourage the younger players.”

Eathan Martinez - Tracy Area High School:

Tracy High School defensive end and left tackle Eathan Martinez is known for his positive leadership skills. Martinez’s presence, demeanor and work ethic set a positive example for his teammates. Young players looked up to Eathan for advice as they navigated their high school academic, athletic and community endeavors. Martinez, a team captain and three-sport athlete, was named a two-time Southwest District East All-Sub District Honorable Mention selection. Off the field, Eathan actively participated in choir, volunteered at youth sporting events and served as a mentor within the school’s Big Buddies program.

Quote from Tracy High School head coach Jason Kainz: “Eathan’s leadership role on our football team has only been exceeded by his leadership ability in and around the school and in our community. As a three-sport athlete, Eathan has spent a lot of time in our weight room and has been a great example as to what that kind of commitment can do for a player.”

The Stacy Robinson Leadership Award honors the late Stacy Robinson, a St. Paul Central graduate who left a strong legacy of community leadership and excellence in athletics. 

To view a statewide map of past and present Minnesota Football Honors Award Winners, visit this site. 

###

About the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation:

The Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote amateur football’s ability to develop leadership, sportsmanship, competitive spirit and academic excellence in Minnesota’s young people. The Minnesota Chapter recognizes legendary football icons, college football Hall of Famers and Minnesota’s top high school and college football scholar-athletes. For more information, visit www.nffmn.org, or Facebook (@MNFootballHonors) and Twitter (@NFFMN).

Contact:

Todd Fultz, President - Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation

Phone: (612)-325-5500

Media Contact:

Daniel House, Director of Media Relations and Content

Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation

Email: daniel@nffmn.org