The 2008 Hammer Strength High School Football Player of the Year

Player of the Year: Alex Croitoru
GPA: 3.5
Position: Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
School: Andover High School (Andover, KS)
Nominated by: Mike Lee, Head Coach, Andover High School

Hammer Strength is honored to present Alex Croitoru, WR/DB, Andover High School (KS) as the 2008 Hammer Strength High School Football Player of the Year. This award honors student-athletes who demonstrate consistent dedication in four key areas:
1. Academics
2. Work Ethic
3. Leadership
4. Effort

Coach Lee: “Alex Croitoru has consistently been one of our top performers and hardest workers since I got the head coaching job two years ago. He is not big (5’10”, 158 lbs), but he is one of the most physical players I have ever coached.
“Alex leads by example – he is a quiet kid, but his teammates have immense respect for him, as seen by his almost unanimous choice as team captain. Furthermore, Alex is the only player who has been on our player-nominated honor roll every week, which is an incredible accomplishment.
“I have coached for over 20 years, and Alex Croitoru is one of the most impressive individuals I have ever met. A father would be quite pleased if he knew his son would grow up to be like Alex.”

Finalists – 2008 Hammer Strength Player of the Year:

Player: Cameron S. Loeffer
Position: Running Back
School: Exeter Union High School (Exeter, CA)
Nominated by: Pete Renteria

Coach Renteria: “Cameron is an exceptional athlete, remarkable student and, most importantly, humble in spirit. He has been able to find the balance between the sports he loves, the academics he needs and the modesty it takes to maintain a well-balanced life.”

Player: DeMarcus Baymon
Position: Offensive Line
School: Cypress Creek High School (Houston, TX)
Nominated by: Danny Ramsey

Coach Ramsey: “DeMarcus is a gifted athlete, but more so a talented leader. His physical presence demands your attention, as he is 6’3”, 350 pounds. He benches over 350 lbs., squats over 550 lbs. and averages nine pancakes per game. But, it’s his attitude, commitment and enthusiasm that will inspire you to be a better coach and a better player.”

Player: Alex Arent
Position: Defensive Line
School: Kamiakin High School (Kennwick, WA)
Nominated by: Chad Potter

Coach Potter: “Alex leads by example. He has a 3.4 GPA, is a three-sport athlete and is one of our team captains. He’s a 1st team all-conference defensive linemen who volunteers to help youth football players and works part-time. Alex is a well-rounded young man who I have grown to greatly respect.”