INAUGURAL RUDY AWARD TO HONOR DIVISION I FOOTBALL PLAYERS DEMONSTRATING EXEMPLARY CHARACTER, COURAGE, CONTRIBUTION AND COMMITMENT AS MEMBERS OF THEIR TEAM

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HENDERSON, NV (November 15, 2007) -- The INAUGURAL RUDY AWARD, it was announced today by The Rudy Foundation 501(c)3 charitable organization, will honor NCAA Division I student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary CHARACTER, COURAGE, CONTRIBUTION and COMMITMENT as members of their collegiate football teams.  These same traits were immortalized in the blockbuster film “RUDY” in 27 seconds and against all odds on a gridiron in South Bend, Indiana, enabling Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger to carve his name into college football lore.

Three RUDY AWARD finalists will be chosen by a Selection Committee and honored at a breakfast to be held during the American Football Coaches Convention on January 8, 2008, from 8:30 - 10:30 A.M., at the Hilton Suites in Anaheim, CA. 

Each finalist will be presented with a beautiful sculpture award and an academic scholarship, as well as have their travel expenses paid to the event. An overall winner will be chosen and presented with the top scholarship of $5,000, while the two runners-up each will receive $2,500.

“We are so proud to honor college football players for the size of their hearts instead of the enormity of their stats,” said Rudy Ruettiger.  “Our hope is to make the RUDY AWARD one of the top collegiate honors, recognizing athletes who demonstrate great character, courage, contribution and commitment.”

The RUDY AWARD Selection Committee is comprised of football coaches Fisher DeBerry, Dennis Franchione, June Jones, Chuck Knox, Gary Patterson, Buddy Pough, Dick Tomey and prominent businessman Peter Murphy, Jr., who serves as chairman.  Aaron Taylor, former NFL player and broadcaster, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the program. 

A nomination form is available at www.RudyAwards.com and can be submitted on behalf of a Division I collegiate player of any age or year in school (Freshman through Senior) who is a member of the 2007-08 football team.  If a finalist presently is receiving a full scholarship, or has graduated since the past football season, the award will be made in the player’s name to the general scholarship fund of the college or university.

Deadline for nominations is December 11, 2007.