Hammer Strength High School Football Player of the Year Award-2008

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(AFM recently interviewed Hammer Strength/Life Fitness about the award)

Tell us about the origins of the Hammer Strength High School Football Player of the Year award?

Each fall, strength, sweat and stamina are on display in high school stadiums, and performance is put to the test in weight rooms and football practice fields across America. Hammer Strength is recognizing the select young athletes who work harder and longer to be their best with its first Hammer Strength High School Football Player of the Year Award. "This program strives to acknowledge players with more than just the speed and size necessary to succeed. We want to honor the athletes with the unrelenting commitment to their team and their sport," said Tim McCarthy, vice president of dealer and vertical accounts for Life Fitness. "We're looking for exceptional student-athletes who stand out both on and off the field."

Why an award of this type?

At Hammer Strength, we know what it takes to be the best. It only seemed natural that the manufacturer of the #1 brand of plate-loaded equipment in the world to be the judge of focus and commitment. We wanted to give back to those football players that go above and beyond to be the best that they can be on and off the field.

Who is eligible and how does the nomination process work?

The award honors student-athletes who demonstrate consistent dedication in four key areas: work ethic, effort, leadership and academics. Coaches can go online to www.hammerstrength.com/HammerPOY to submit a 500-word description of the qualities and achievements of their exceptional student-athlete. Once all the nominations are in, Hammer Strength will evaluate all the entries and choose the winner based on submissions from the coaches.

Is there a deadline this fall for nominations?

Nomination forms are available at www.hammerstrength.com/HammerPOY and must be submitted by Nov. 7, 2008.

When is the award decided and then awarded?

The winner will be presented with a trophy by Hammer Strength in January and receive Hammer Strength gear and a piece of Hammer Strength equipment for his school weight room. He will also be profiled in the March issue of American Football Monthly. Five runners-up also will be recognized.

NEW BOOK!

Digital Download - 304 Pages of Football Forms for the Winning Coach