The 2009 Scholar-Athlete Class
The NFF Minnesota Chapter held its annual “Honoring Legends-Inspiring Leaders” Awards Banquet on April 19 in front of a sold out crowd of 225 people. College Hall of Fame coach John Gagliardi served as the guest speaker for the banquet that honored six College Hall of Famers, eight scholar-athletes and five individual award winners.
This year’s Scholar-Athlete class included eight area high school students recognized for their outstanding performance on the field and in the classroom.
- Anders Lee, Edina High School
- Paul Berndt, Mankato West High School
- Mychal Frelix, St. Paul Central High School
- Ryan Goetzinger, Caledonia Area High School
- Ryan Robinson, St. Thomas Academy
- Kyle Mulrooney, Andover High School
- Joe Novitzkiv, Totino-Grace High School
- Mike Seidel, Woodbury High School
Coach Jim Malosky Sr. , former University of Minnesota-Duluth coach, accepted the Outstanding Minnesotan Award to a standing ovation. Malosky, who retired in 1997 as the winningest coach in Division II history, amassed a 255-125-13 record during his 40 year coaching career. The Jim Malosky Coach of the Year award, given annually by USA Football to the Division II Coach of the Year, is named in his honor.
Ryan Goetzinger received the 2009 Courage Award after overcoming serious burns in a barn fire as a child. The fullback and linebacker won two state championships as a member of the Caledonia Area High School football team. Mychal Frelix accepted the Play It Smart P.R.I.D.E. Award after displaying outstanding leadership in the Play It Smart program and being named to the St. Paul City All-Conference Team.
The Frank Zamberletti Award, given to an outstanding athletic trainer, was given to Gary Smith. Smith, who currently works for the Institute for Athletic Medicine, served as head trainer for the 1980 U.S.A Hockey team and is a member of the Minnesota Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame. Lefty Yurek received the 2009 Outstanding Football Officiating Award after a 39 year career officiating both high school and college football. He was inducted into the NSIC Hall of Fame as a football and basketball official in 2001.
The banquet also recognized six College Football Hall of Fame members for their contribution to the chapter. Those in attendance included Paul Wiggin, Jeff Siemon, John Randle, Jim Christopherson, Randall McDaniel, and John Gagliardi.
Those interested in joining the NFF Minnesota Chapter or wanting more information can contact Sean Gothier by email at sean@nffmn.org.