ALABAMA’S BARRETT JONES NAMED 2011 WUERFFEL TROPHY WINNER

FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA — Standing 6 feet, 5 inches tall, weighing 311 pounds, it’s tough to miss Alabama junior offensive lineman Barrett Jones. The versatile, All-American is widely lauded as one of the best players in the country for his play on the field. But his work off the field – both in the classroom and in the community – is often overlooked. It certainly didn’t get by the All Sports Association, who named Jones the winner of the 2011 Wuerffel Trophy.

The award, named after former Fort Walton Beach and Florida Gator standout, Danny Wuerffel, is presented annually to the Football Bowl Subdivision player that best combines exemplary community service with academic and athletic achievement. Jones was presented with news of the award by Wuerffel himself Monday afternoon via conference call. “I’m very honored,” Jones said. “It means a lot. I’ve read a little bit about this award and I’m very blessed and honored to be selected.” Jones’ achievements off the field and in the classroom have not gone unnoticed by Alabama coach Nick Saban. “Barrett’s about as fine a young man as I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach,” Saban said, “so I’m excited about it and pleased and I know he will be too.”

Jones, an accounting major who graduated in August with a 4.0 GPA, is now working towards a masters in accounting. The All-SEC lineman is extremely active in the community as well. Jones has made two mission trips to Haiti to help people struggling with daily life and to help build a school and orphanage. He has actively participated in tornado cleanup in Tuscaloosa and worked with countless other community organizations in his time at Alabama. “I think being a student athlete is a lot about time management,” Jones said. “You really have to learn how to balance your time and prioritize the things you think are important. Personally, I think community service and things of that nature are things I put very high on that list. I really enjoy doing mission work, in Haiti, especially the last few years. I think that’s something my parents instilled in me.”

Jones was selected from an esteemed field of finalists, including: Matt Barkley (USC), Robert Griffin III (Baylor), Chandler Harnish (Northern Illinois), Kirk Cousins (Michigan State), Emmanuel Acho (Texas), Cody Wilson (Central Michigan), Dawson Zimmerman (Clemson), Dustin Hopkins (Florida State), Drew Butler (Georgia), Stuart Hines (Kentucky), Ben Buchanan (Ohio State) and Gilbert “Chaz” Hine (South Florida). Jones also joins an impressive group of previous winners, including last year’s recipient Sam Acho of Texas, Tim Hiller (Western Michigan - 2009), Tim Tebow (Florida - 2008), Paul Smith (Tulsa - 2007), Joel Penton (Ohio State - 2006) and Rudy Niswanger (LSU - 2005).

The formal presentation of the award will take place Feb. 17, 2012 at the 43rd Annual All Sports Association Awards Dinner at the Emerald Coast Convention Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

“I feel extremely blessed and fortunate to receive a trophy that’s named after (Wuerffel),” Jones said, “just because I know what he’s accomplished on and off the field. It really is a very special honor for me.”

More information on the 2012 Wuerffel Trophy award, including a list of finalists and audio of Danny Wuerffel calling Mr. Jones with the news, can be found at the official Danny Wuerffel Award website.

Saban, who led the Crimson Tide to a national title in 2009, was announced as this year’s guest speaker by All Sports Association President, William Thomas.

“We are certainly honored and could not be more thrilled to have coach Saban serve as this year’s keynote speaker,” Thomas said. “We are incredibly lucky to have someone of his caliber highlight this event.

“It’s not everyday we get this opportunity,” Thomas added. “It should be a great night for All Sports and our community.”

This year’s All Sports Association Banquet is scheduled for Feb. 17. Tickets to the event will not be made available until the first of February.

Saban is the latest in what has become long line of notable speakers at the annual event. Past speakers have included NFL Hall of Fame inductee Paul Hornung (2009), former Florida and current South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier as well as Terry Bradshaw, Lou Holtz and Jim Kelly.

Saban will be the third Alabama football coach to appear at the banquet, joining former Tide coaches Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant and Gene Stallings.

“Our region has quite a fan base that follows Alabama football,” Thomas said.

Aside from guiding the Tide to its most recent national title, Saban also helped former running back Mark Ingram win the program’s first-ever Heisman Trophy in 2009, as well as a memorable 32-13 win over then top-ranked Florida in the SEC Championship Game.

Away from the field, Saban, along with his wife, Terry, started the Nick’s Kids Fund, an organization the couple started while at Michigan State and have since continued in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where the organization has raised and distributed over $1.5 million to more than 140 charities for disadvantaged children.

Since its inception, the All Sports Association has contributed time and money for local youth-oriented non-profit organizations with an emphasis on sports programs.

Original Article in the NWF Daily News

I am deeply honored and privileged to serve as the President of the All Sports Association - moving forward in our 43rd year - as we begin another decade of community service. Our current members consist of a large number of former community servants joined together with business leaders in the community.

Since its commencement, the Association has sought to identify and recognize the finest athletes from Northwest Florida. This year, we will again honor the top female and male Scholastic Athletes from our area high schools, as well as Collegiate, Amateur, Professional and Special Olympian athletes who best represent the ideals of our Association. These individuals will be recognized at our annual Awards Banquet on the evening of February 17th, 2012.

In addition, we will present the Wuerffel Trophy to the collegiate football player who best exemplifies the combined areas of athletics, academics, and community service. We will also recognize individuals who have sustained outstanding contributions to youth athletics with other key awards, such at the Hall of Fame and Al Bryne award. These awards will be given based upon their continuous pursuit to achieve the Association’s goals and mission. 

Our mission is to support local youth-oriented, non-profit organizations with an emphasis on sports programs. The All Sports Association is made up of dues-paying volunteers who contribute their time to work towards achieving this goal. There is no paid staff and all funds collected in excess of actual expenses are used to fulfill our mission. By way of our annual Awards Banquet, summer golf tournament, and other fund raising activities, we help fund numerous sports organizations and activities. The original—and still primary—beneficiaries of the All Sports Association are the local YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and Special Olympics.

Our levels of giving would not be possible without the generous and continued support of our community, especially our sponsors. This support, coupled with the diligent work of our volunteer membership, has helped us be successful in both fulfilling our mission and in achieving our goals. They all have my sincere thanks and appreciation. Millions of thanks to all, from the bottom of my heart.

As you browse our website (www.allsportsassociation.org), I am confident that you will learn more about the organization and all that we strive to achieve. Thank you for both your interest and support.

Sincerely,

William

William Thomas

President, 2011-2012

GARRETT TEAL SELECTED AS 2011 RECIPIENT OF PRESTIGIOUS TAYLOR HAUGEN TROPHY

January 6, 2011 (Niceville, FL) - In conjunction with the All Sports Association, the Taylor Haugen Foundation presented The 2011 Taylor Haugen Trophy to Garrett Scott Teal of Crestview.

“I am so very honored to have been a part of this year’s selection process, and while Garrett clearly stands out among his peers, it was very comforting to see how many great young Christian athletes are out in our community today,” stated Steve Boswell, All Sports Association President. “It will be an honor to recognize Garrett at our FCA Prayer Breakfast this February.”

“We were blessed to have so many exceptional students nominated; it made for a difficult decision,” stated Kathy Haugen, “T”’s mom. “We are very proud of Garrett and we wish to acknowledge all the nominees for their faith and accomplishments.”

The Taylor Haugen Trophy and a $1,000 award are offered in the memory of Taylor Reid Haugen, Class of 2011. It is awarded each winter in conjunction with the All Sports Association at the annual All Sports Association FCA breakfast. Taylor was a member of the Niceville Eagles Football and Wrestling teams as well as being an honor student at Niceville High School. He was comfortable about his faith in God, passionate about football, and consistently showed commitment to others through his volunteer work in his church and community.

The Trophy is awarded to an area athlete who best demonstrates a similar balance between academics, athleticism, leadership, community service and faith. High School students in Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa Counties are eligible to be nominated for the Trophy by their FCA huddle leader, coach or minister.

Garrett Teal is a senior at Crestview High School where he serves as a leader in several areas of academics, faith, community service and athletics. With a 3.9 GPA, Garrett led Class4A in passing touchdowns as quarterback of the Crestview Bulldogs and lettered in the sport three times. Community service and mission work are clearly high priorities; he is a member of the Taylor Haugen Foundation Youth Corps, the youth choir at First Baptist of Crestview and has been an officer in FCA throughout all four years of high school.

When selecting the recipient this year, 2011 Chairman of the Taylor Haugen Foundation Board Yvonne Freeman stated, “These students are extremely well rounded in the areas of academics, faith, community service and leadership. The selection committee truly feels that Garrett exemplifies one of the best and brightest students that Okaloosa County has to offer.”

In terms of his expressive faith, Garrett was instrumental in planning Fields of Faith at Choctaw High School, which is based on a national FCA event intended to encourage teens to dig deeper into their faith and bring it to the next level. “Now the groundwork has been laid for Okaloosa County FCA Huddles to continue to come together as one, for Christ,” notes Garrett.

Academically, Garrett helped to begin the TARS program at CHS – Teen Age Republicans – as well as served as vice-chairman. He served as class president of student government as a freshman and received the freshman leadership award. He also served as a yearbook staffer for two years. Garrett represented CHS on the 2010 Chelco Youth Tour.

Garrett is very active in his church and has completed mission work in New York and plans to participate in a summer mission in New Mexico working on a Navajo reservation.

“My goal as a Christian has always been to live a Christ-like life as a living example to others of God’s unconditional love. I focus diligently on living out that ideal everyday, not just at church or around adults but everywhere, all the time. One thing I have required of myself is that I never shy away from my faith, but proudly proclaim my relationship with Christ,” said Teal.

His plans are to pursue a career in pre-law and continue a life of service. Garrett plans to attend the University of Alabama this fall. He is the son of Angela Etheridge and Scott Teal and his siblings are Kahley, Amber and Breana.

 http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/honored-36370-taylor-teal.html

FORT WALTON BEACH — As a terrorizing defensive end, Sam Acho is exactly the kind of player that Danny Wuerffel looked to avoid when he played college football.
However, when it comes to the Wuerffel Trophy, the University of Texas star is exactly the kind of player Wuerffel and the Fort Walton Beach-based All Sports Association’s National Selection Committee wanted to find.
On Monday afternoon during a conference call, Acho learned that he is this year’s recipient of the award, which is presented annually by the All Sports Association to the Football Bowl Subdivision player that best combines exemplary community service with academic and athletic achievement.
Wuerffel broke the news to Acho, who was ecstatic to win the Wuerffel Trophy and also to be speaking with the former Heisman Trophy winner.
“It means the world to me for all that Danny Wuerffel represents,” Acho said. “To win this award, which is actually named after him, and to put me even around that category is just a huge honor to me. … It speaks so much to what he’s about and what I try to model myself after.”
Acho beat out fellow Wuerffel Trophy finalists Christian Ponder (Florida State, QB), Greg McElroy (Alabama, QB), Dominik Riley (Memphis, OL), Ben Chappell (Indiana, QB), Kyle Adams (Purdue, TE), Chris Stewart (Notre Dame, OL), Kirk Cousins (Michigan State, QB), Steven Wisniewski (Penn State, OL) and Chimaobim “Chima” Nwachukwu (Washington State, safety).
“I’m really, really excited for Sam,” Wuerffel said, “and just everything he’s done and going to do.”
Acho has done plenty, both on and off the field.
While Texas struggled this season, Acho did anything but in his senior campaign, recording 59 tackles, including 17 for a loss, along with nine sacks, 17 quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. Those numbers put him in contention for the Lott Trophy, which goes to the nation’s top defensive IMPACT player, and he recently received the Sixth Annual Awards and Recognition Association Sportsmanship Award.
“I just wanted to play to the best of my ability every single game,” Acho said, “and I wanted to practice to the best of my ability every day and I also wanted to motivate others around me.”
Helping others around him was a goal off the field.
His community service resume is just as impressive as his list of football accomplishments. Along with dedicating countless hours to community efforts in Texas, Acho and his family have made several medical mission trips to his father’s and mother’s native country of Nigeria. Once there, they provide free medical care to a small village that has extremely limited access to doctors, and Acho called it “hands-down the most fun and most meaningful piece of community work that I do.”
As for the classroom, Acho, a business major, maintains a 3.55 GPA.
“Sam is as committed of a young man to his team, community, faith and family as anyone I have ever coached,” Texas head football coach Mack Brown wrote in Acho’s nomination form for the Wuerffel Trophy. “He works as hard on the field as any player I’ve been around and is tireless in his efforts off the field. … Sam is a tremendous leader and just epitomizes the meaning behind student-athlete.”
The presentation of the Wuerffel Trophy will be Feb. 18 at the All Sports Association’s 42nd Annual Awards Dinner on Okaloosa Island. Last year’s winner was Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller, and he was preceded by Tim Tebow (Florida, quarterback), Paul Smith (Tulsa, quarterback), Joel Penton (Ohio State, defensive lineman) and Rudy Niswanger (Louisiana State, offensive lineman).
“We’re excited to have you as part of the growing Wuerffel Trophy family,” Wuerffel told Acho. “In the midst of many awards, hopefully it will be something that will be memorable for you not just for the Trophy, but for the relationships that I think you’ll form from it.”
_______________________________________________________________________________________
For more information, contact Tom Brassell at (850) 585-5512 or visit http://www.wuerffeltrophy.org

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Despite not hearing his name during the seven rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft, former Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller finds himself in what possibly could be the best position for him and his football future. Hiller is signing as a priority free agent with the Indianapolis Colts and will begin rookie camp next weekend (April 30-May 2).

Hiller learned of his fate almost immediately after the conclusion of the draft on Saturday afternoon. He will fly from Michigan to Indianapolis on Thursday to begin his time with the Colts. Currently, Indianapolis has two quarterbacks on the active roster - Peyton Manning and former Purdue signal caller Curtis Painter. Former Buffalo QB Drew Willey is also listed on the team roster according to the official web site but worked on the Colts’ practice squad during the 2009 season.

From a historic standpoint, Western Michigan has only ever had one former student-athlete associated with the Colts organization. In 1973, defensive end Bernard Thomas was drafted in the 12th round (295th overall) by the then Baltimore Colts. He did not make the active roster.

If Hiller makes the Colts’ roster in 2010, he would be only the second quarterback in program history to do so in the NFL and the first since Ed Chlebek who played one season (1963) for the New York Jets. He was 2-for-4 for five yards in two career games. The only other former Bronco to complete or attempt a pass in the NFL is kicker/punter Dale Livingston. He completed two passes for 15 yards during the 1969 season.

Hiller rewrote the Western Michigan record book when it comes to passing. He finished his stellar Bronco career with 11,329 yards, 1,607 attempts, 1,013 completions and 99 TDs - all WMU records. He also holds the records for career total offense (11,220 yards) and total offensive plays (1,773) and shares the record for 300-yard passing games in a career (16). He is the single-season record holder for passing yards, attempts, completions and TDs - all set in 2008 - and broke owns the single game records for passing yards, completions and attempts.

Off the field, Hiller finished his academic career with a 4.0 GPA, won the 2009 Wuerffel Trophy (”Humanitarian Heisman”), earned Second Team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America and was named a National Scholar Athlete by the National Football Foundation.

Tim Hiller Comments

On the situation in Indy:
“I am grateful to the Colts organization for this tremendous opportunity. This is a great situation to learn from the best quarterback in the game and to compete to be a part of one of the best and most respected team in the National Football League.”

On the draft:
“Obviously it’s great to be drafted, but I could not be more excited or pleased with my situation. It’s a great opportunity. Obviously the ball is in my court to perform well and learn the offense quickly, but I am ready to get to work.”

On the Colts offense:
“Some of WMU’s coaching staff happened to be visiting the Colts offices a couple weeks ago for some pass concept ideas to implement in spring practice, so I had the chance to see a bit of their offense on the board, with some terminology and I think it translates well from what we’ve been doing here. Coach Cubit has prepared me well throughout my career by placing full responsibility on me at the line of scrimmage, and I am excited to make the most of this exciting opportunity.”

Jessica participated as an amateur following high school playing softball for High Intensity in the 18 and under Gold division. The Gold division is the most elite division of travel softball. In 2005 the team qualified for and went to the Gold Nationals in Silenas, Ca. The following summer High Intensity qualified again for the Gold National Tournament in Okahoma City at the Hall of Fame park. The team placed 16th overall out of more than 60 competing teams, which was an exceptional accomplishment for a Panhandle of Florida team.

In 2009 Jessica finished her senior season at Samford with an overall batting average of .430, with 107 at bats and 46 hits with only 14 strikeouts. After returning from an injury that sidelined her for a portion of the 2009 season, she hit .611 with 11 hits during the month of May. The senior also chipped in four RBIs, four stolen bases, three runs and one double against only one strikeout in leading the Bulldogs to a semifinal appearance in the Southern Conference Softball Championship after being a No. 7 seed entering the tournament. She was named to the 10-member Southern Conference All-Tournament Team.zips.  She finished her outstanding career as Samford’s all-time leader in batting average (.325),   all-time leader in hits (190), runs (103), and stolen bases (62). Her 20 steals in 2008 is a Samford single-season record.

Jessica is a graduate of Fort Walton Beach High School where she was a four-year starter on the softball team, leading the team to the regional finals her junior year. As a three-year starter in basketball Jessica played in three regional championships and three final four appearances.  She earned first-team All-Area honors as a senior in softball and second-team All-Area honors in basketball. Jessica is a member of Fort Walton Beach High School’s Hall of Fame.

Jessica is currently a student assistant coach at Samford and hopes to continue her softball career playing professionally in Europe. Jessica is the daughter of Mike and Kelly Owens of Fort Walton Beach and is the proud sister of Sarah and John Michael Owens.

January 20, 2010 8:54 PM
Adam Pruiett
Daily News
FORT WALTON BEACH — To this day, Cortland Finnegan still isn’t quite sure whether his most distinctive high school football memory is a fond one.

The former Milton High star and current Tennessee Titans’ defensive back had been dubbed “Mr. Everything” for his wide range of playmaking abilities with the Panthers. Naturally, arch-enemy Pace had something to say about that.

And of course, there was no better time for Patriots’ fans to convey their strong opinion than in a playoff game pitting two of the Panhandle’s fiercest rivals. What greeted Finnegan was “tons of posters” that labeled him as “Mr. Nothing.”

He’ll never forget it, and not because he’s got longstanding animosity. To him, it was the essence of the Milton-Pace feud.

“That’s what the rivalry was all about: Getting under the other guy’s skin,” Finnegan said. “That actually summed up our rivalry.”

The nickname Mr. Everything still applies to Finnegan, although it’s taken on a different meaning since his high school days on the gridiron. As an All-Pro cornerback with the Titans, he’s still making his mark on the field. Off it, he’s been praised for his work through his foundation, ARK 31, which helps children with special needs and disabilities.

For everything that Mr. Everything has recently accomplished, the All Sports Association has named him as the Fort Walton Beach-based organization’s 2010 Professional Award winner. He succeeds another former Milton star athlete — PGA Tour golfer Boo Weekley.

“Just knowing the guys who won before me, it’s a big deal and I’m honored,” the 25-year-old Finnegan said. “I was blown away.”

Finnegan said he will be able to attend the All Sports Association’s 41st Annual Awards Dinner on Feb. 19 in Fort Walton Beach.

Other All Sports award winners announced so far have been Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller (Wuerffel Trophy), LSU baseball star Blake Dean (Collegiate Award) and Special Olympics champion Melanie Comer (Special Olympian Award). LPGA Tour legend Annika Sorenstam has been announced as the guest speaker.

“All Sports is proud to honor Cortland Finnegan,” All Sports President Robert McEachern said. “Cortland’s not only an All-Pro and team leader with the Tennessee Titans, he’s an active humanitarian serving children with special needs through his ARK 31 Foundation.”

Despite being chosen in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Samford, it didn’t take long for Finnegan to establish himself as one of the league’s top cornerbacks. In 2008, his third year in the pros, Finnegan was a first-team All-Pro selection and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Despite missing three games this season, the 5-foot-10, 188-pound Finnegan still posted numbers similar to his ’08 campaign. He matched his interception total with five and only had seven less tackles, finishing with 63.

He’s been honored off the field as well. Finnegan was picked as a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year campaign in 2008.

He’s proven to be just as driven in his foundation work as he is in trying to shut down the NFL’s top receivers. It’s a quality that All Sports recognized and that Finnegan takes great pride in.

“You put a smile on a kid’s face because you’re a football player,” Finnegan said of his visits to hospitals. “You really can’t put into words what that means.”