Only Female Nominee "Very Shocked" To Be Up For Football Award

Katie Scalzo, the only girl on the Wyoming Area Warriors football team, is one of 50 semifinalists for the High School Football Rudy Awards. She was already named Homecoming Queen.

The awards, named for Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger (yes, that Rudy) are all about heart: or, as the official home page explains “football players who demonstrate exemplary character, courage, contribution and commitment as team members.”

Says coach Randy Spencer, who nominated Scalzo, to the Times Leader, “I just think every day she’s been in the program has been inspirational…She’s been a role model as a student and an athlete in every sport she plays and as to what she’s been able to accomplish.” She’s also a dynamite football player. Says the paper, “Not only did she earn two touchdown-saving tackles during her three-year varsity career for the Warriors – including forcing a fumble against Tunkhannock last year – she even hit a game-winning field goal just a few weeks ago against Hanover Area in an Eastern Conference Class 2A semifinal.” She also placed second in the Wyoming Valley Conference in points scored by kickers.

Scalzo — who also excels at basketball and soccer, and who accepted her homecoming crown in football uniform — was humble about the honor. “I was very honored when I found out. I’m very shocked because I read through the profiles of some of the other nominees and thought they deserved it more than I did and I’m very shocked I made the top 50,” she told the paper. Winners are chosen online by fans as well as a selection committee . (And they’re all impressive kids!) The finalists will be announced December 28, with the Awards Ceremony to take place February 11th. The four winners will receive scholarships.