News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Inspiring Louisiana youth receives High School Football Rudy Award and $10,000 scholarship

Bend, OR. - February 3, 2010 - Calob Leindecker today has been named the ‘Most Inspirational High School Football Player’ in America. Leindecker was chosen as the winner of the 2009 High School Football Rudy Awards from over 390 nominees from 48 states. He will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship to a college of his choice. Leindecker will be presented with his award by Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger in a ceremony on February 25, 2010 in his home town of Baton Rouge, LA. The two Runners-Up, Justin Ray Duke of Texas and Kyle Weafer of Kansas, will each receive a $5,000 scholarship. In addition to announcing the three finalists, Trusted Sports awarded Bobby Keeney of New Jersey a $2,500 scholarship for being the Fan Favorite, the Semifinalist with the most online votes.

The High School Football Rudy Awards, established by Trusted Sports, Inc., honor student-athletes who most completely represent the ‘Rudy’ on their team…someone whose contribution and commitment inspires others to excellence.

“This award has put the spotlight on our youth and their extraordinary achievements, allowing us to share their inspiring stories with America,” said Rudy Ruettiger. “I’m blown away by these kids, the struggles they’ve overcome and the fact that the Rudy Award has allowed us to literally change lives. We’ve heard from Moms how this award has brought their communities together and given their son more self-confidence. Calob’s story is the perfect example of everything the ‘Rudy’ Awards represent. With great character and courage he has triumphed over the tragic loss of a leg. Showing incredible guts, Calob has amazed his doctors, family, teammates, and community. When many others would have given up or felt sorry for themselves, Calob worked harder, always focusing on his goal to get back out on the field and play football. In the process he has inspired and motivated everyone who knows his story and caused them to dream big and never quit!”

Leindecker lost his leg in a car accident caused by a mudslide when he was 16. He underwent nine different surgeries including the amputation of his leg, saying at the time, "You can take my leg, but you can't take my heart". Two years of recovery, rejection by his skin of the prosthetic and rehabilitation never dampened his spirit or resolve to play football with his team, the Park View Eagles. Throughout the entire ordeal, friends and family say Leindecker never resorted to self-pity or depression, always thinking of others and concentrating on his goal of playing for his team again. When he dressed for the first time since the accident and led his team on the field, there wasn’t a dry eye in the stands. During that game he was the placeholder for the kicker, while off the field he trains every day hoping eventually to play his original position of Defensive Back.

The Award received more than 1.6 million online fan votes by the American public. Each Rudy nominee had a story of great heart that came through in the voting and the outpouring of support from local communities throughout the United States. This is what youth sports is really all about: kids having fun and learning lessons that will be with them for a lifetime. Finalists were chosen by a combination of fan voting and judging by a national selection committee made up of sports personalities including Jim Mora Sr., Andrea Kremer, Shaun Alexander, Drew Bledsoe and Jenn Brown.

About Trusted Sports, Inc.:
With more than 70% of kids dropping out of sports before age thirteen, Trusted Sports was created with the mission to motivate kids to thrive in life through sports by inspiring, educating, and uniting young athletes, parents, and coaches. Trusted Sports aims to "Keep Kids in the Game" through initiatives like the Rudy Awards program.

For more information about Trusted Sports and the High School Football Rudy Awards, please visit TrustedSports.com.