Trench trophy

The Trench Trophy Logo

The Trench Trophy is an award which recognizes high school football lineman in the Western New York area. The award was founded by Len Kuhn and Carl Kuras. The Trench Trophy Award, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established in 2015.

Award[]

Players are graded on specific criteria by a group of knowledgeable scouts, known as the Committee. The Committee is composed of coaches, former coaches, and former players, who attend the games of more than 80 schools on a weekly basis. Every week five players are chosen as "Nominees," who are then eligible for the final award. After the state championships are over, nominees are broken down to twelve Hall of Fame Inductees, and then one final winner. The "Lineman of the Year" receives a college scholarship, among other accolades.

Mission[]

The Trench Trophy Award, Inc. provides recognition to football players who predominately play the position of offensive or defensive line for their school’s varsity, interscholastic football program. Schools include those of Section VI of the NYSPHSAA and Monsignor Martin Athletic Conference.

The specific objectives and purpose of the Trench Trophy shall be:

A. To promote sportsmanship, civic responsibility, and scholastic effort by athletes who predominately play football.
B. To provide recognition to football linemen in Western New York state.
C. To provide opportunities for players to be discovered by local, regional, and national intercollegiate football programs.
D. To promote the growth of youth athletics, specifically the sport of football.

John Gebhardt Memorial Scholarship[]

In August 2010, the Trench Trophy announced that their yearly college scholarship was named in honor of founding member and generous contributor John Gebhardt. The John Gebhardt Memorial Scholarship was decided by result of unanimous vote by the Committee. John was a dedicated supporter of the award since its inception.

Name[]

The name "Trench Trophy" was approved on August 18, 2003, at the first meeting of the Trench Trophy Committee. It comes from the adage that lineman play in the "trenches."

Current Executive Committee[]

• Carl Kuras.Co-Chairman
• Ed Sciera.Co-Chairman
• Philip Rizzi.Secretary
• Jerry Zajac.Treasurer
• Rick Coburn.Trustee
• Dennis Cronin.Trustee
• Carl Ertel.Trustee
• Chuck Graver.Trustee
• Dave Hajduk.Trustee
• Chuck Huber.Trustee
• Ron Kromer.Trustee
• Cal Phillips.Trustee
• Don Sullivan.Trustee
• Sibby Constantino.Trustee

• Len Kuhn.Co-Founder
• Victor Rizzi.Co-Founder

• Joe Delamielleure.Special Contributor
• Jim McNally.Special Contributor

Lineman of the Year Award Winners[]

Past Winners:

• 2003: John Livingston^[1].Eden Raiders
• 2004: Jason Weber.Orchard Park Quakers
• 2005: Jesse Jesonowski.Iroquois Chiefs
• 2006: Gil Rodriguez.Frontier Falcons
• 2007: Nick Christman.Sweet Home Panthers
• 2008: John Urschel^[2].Canisius Crusaders
• 2009: Jasen Carlson^[3].Southwestern Trojans
• 2010: Dylan Anna.Pioneer Panthers
• 2011: Devon Leach.Orchard Park Quakers
• 2012: Ryan Hunter^[4][5].Canisius Crusaders
• 2013: Jeremiah Bill^[6].Hamburg Bulldogs
• 2014: Joe Mistretta^[7].Jamestown Red Raiders
• 2015: Jake Fuzak^[8].Williamsville South Billies
• 2016: Nathan Emer.Iroquois Chiefs
• 2017: Jeremiah Sanders.South Park Sparks
• 2018: Tyler Doty^[9].St. Joe's Marauders
• 2019: Teryon Vernon^[10].Maritime Commodores
• 2020: No Winner Due to Covid Shortened Season

Hall of Fame[]

Grading Criteria[]

• Technique
• Determination
• Aggressiveness
• Intensity
• Ability to be a Team Player
• Coachability
• Consistency
• Courage
• Citizenship
• Scholastic Effort

[Size [height and/or weight] shall NOT be taken into consideration]

See also[]

• Elks
• Lancaster (village), New York

For More Information[]

• Trench Trophy Website
• Section 6 Website

References[]