2012- Logan Mars & Luke Libby Named Frank Gaziano Scholarship & Award Winners
Logan Mars and Luke Libby Named Frank Gaziano Scholarship and Award Winners
AUGUSTA, Maine - Today, Jeff Kane, President of National Distributors and Frank Gaziano's son-in-law, announced the winners of the Frank Gaziano High School Scholarships and Awards at a banquet at the Augusta Civic Center. Scarborough's Logan Mars and Thornton Academy's Luke Libby were named the top high school football offensive and defensive linemen in the state because of their hard work on the field, in the classroom and in their communities. The winners received a trophy and a scholarship of $2,500. All eight finalists were presented with a commemorative jacket to honor Frank Gaziano.
"This year's class of finalists featured many strong candidates. While Logan and Luke are recognized as the winners, I believe that the communities and families of each of the finalists are also winners. These young student athletes are not only talented, but tremendous people that are committed to their communities. I know that if Frank were with us today, he would have been proud of each and every one of them," said Jeff Kane, president of National Distributors.
The scholarship and awards program for Maine high school football linemen was created in memory of Frank J. Gaziano, founder of National Distributors and a former college All American and professional football player with a life-long passion for local sports. Funding for the scholarships was provided by National Distributors.
Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Award and Scholarship Recipients:
Logan Mars, Scarborough High School
Frank J. Gaziano, Offensive Lineman of the Year
Logan Mars from Scarborough and student of Scarborough High School was named an SMAA Conference Player as a junior and senior. In 2011, he was named the Team MVP by the Quarterback Club. He is a member of the National Honor Society, a volunteer for the Special Olympics and is also a member of the Police Explorers.
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"Football has taught me to do my job 100% every second even without praise. It has taught me to work hard and expect nothing in return because what matters is the personal development from the task at hand, not the praise you receive," said Logan Mars about his football career at Scarborough High School.
The two runners-up for the Offensive Lineman were Matt McLean from Windham and Rudy Pandora from Lewiston.
Luke Libby, Thornton Academy
Frank J. Gaziano, Defensive Lineman of the Year
Luke Libby of Dayton and student at Thornton Academy was named All SMAA Conference for the past two seasons. He is President of the National Honor Society, Rotary Youth Leadership Member and Volunteer Coach for middle school track and youth football.
"I have been part of some amazing groups and have met some fantastic people, whom I will never forget," said Luke Libby about his football career at Thornton Academy.
The two runners-up for the Defensive Lineman Awards were Max Andrews from John Bapst and Matt Ross from Cape Elizabeth.
The additional finalists recognized at the awards ceremony were Nate Porter, Portland and Christian Deschenes, Cheverus
All the finalists were in attendance at the event. The top two runners-up in each category were recognized with a $500 scholarship and each of the selected players received a commemorative trophy.
The list of finalists considered for the annual Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards epitomize the character, leadership, and perseverance of Gaziano. The top recipients were selected by the awards committee based on their strong leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
All eligible applicants must have been a high school senior in 2011, competed at the varsity level for a minimum of two years and have an exemplary record of positive athletic and non-athletic citizenship. As part of the selection process, the students submitted an essay and game film featuring the each lineman against his toughest competition.
Applicants from all levels of Maine's high school football three-class system were eligible for the scholarship and able to be nominated by their coaches. For more information on the 2013 banquet or the scholarship program application process or to contribute to the scholarship fund, visit www.gazianolinemanawards.org or contact the Frank J. Gaziano Lineman Awards Board of Directors at (207) 773-1719, ext 3313.