University of Missouri senior defensive lineman Brian Coulter has been named one of three finalists for the 2009 College Football Rudy Award, as announced by the Rudy Foundation.
Forty-nine of the 120 Division I FBS football programs and all Division I FBS Conferences were represented in the nominations for the Award, which honors 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, Ind., enabling Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger to carve his name into college football lore. More than 60,000 fans contributed online votes this year, which tallied together to count as a member of the Selection Committee.
The three finalists will be honored during the THIRD ANNUAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL RUDY AWARDSTM breakfast, Presented by Sprint, to be held in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Association Convention at 8:30 a.m. ET on January 11, 2010, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, in Orlando, FL. Rudy Ruettiger will personally present each individual with a classic finalist award and an academic scholarship will be made in his name to the general scholarship fund of his college or university. One overall winner will be presented with the bronze RUDY AWARD trophy and top scholarship. For more information, visit www.CollegeRudyAwards.com.
Coulter was nominated by the Tiger coaching staff for his work ethic and commitment to succeed despite facing difficult personal situations in his life over the years. Here's a recap of the nominating material provided to the Rudy Foundation about Coulter:
University of Missouri Tigers senior defensive end Brian Coulter has overcome what most would consider impossible odds. Family violence spiraled out of control in his childhood home, and one parent was killed, with the other being incarcerated. Coulter and his siblings were separated and forced into foster care. Then the harsh realities of Hurricane Katrina forced him out of the one positive foster care situation he found. Coulter didn't just survive, though -- he excelled. He worked hard and followed his dream of playing Division I football. Coulter went on to become a 1st team All-Region Junior College defensive end, before transferring to Missouri. But a foot injury caused him to tumble down the depth chart. Again, Coulter battled back, secured a starting role and became a dominant force on defense. With a maturity level that few of his teammates can match, Coulter never made excuses. His work ethic makes him a leader on the field and an inspiration to his teammates in the weight room and locker room. On campus, Coulter was the recipient of the Mizzou ROARS Courage Award, which is voted on by all the Missouri student athletes in recognition of outstanding courage and perseverance. In 2009, Coulter has had an outstanding season that has seen him register 39 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 quarterback sacks for the Tiger defense. He combined with teammate Aldon Smith to tackle Kansas QB Todd Reesing for a safety in the closing minutes of Mizzou's Nov. 28th game against rival Kansas which was a crucial play in MU's 41-39 comeback win.
Forty-nine of the 120 Division I FBS football programs and all Division I FBS Conferences were represented in the nominations for the Award, which honors 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, Ind., enabling Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger to carve his name into college football lore. More than 60,000 fans contributed online votes this year, which tallied together to count as a member of the Selection Committee.
The three finalists will be honored during the THIRD ANNUAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL RUDY AWARDSTM breakfast, Presented by Sprint, to be held in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Association Convention at 8:30 a.m. ET on January 11, 2010, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, in Orlando, FL. Rudy Ruettiger will personally present each individual with a classic finalist award and an academic scholarship will be made in his name to the general scholarship fund of his college or university. One overall winner will be presented with the bronze RUDY AWARD trophy and top scholarship. For more information, visit www.CollegeRudyAwards.com.
Coulter was nominated by the Tiger coaching staff for his work ethic and commitment to succeed despite facing difficult personal situations in his life over the years. Here's a recap of the nominating material provided to the Rudy Foundation about Coulter:
University of Missouri Tigers senior defensive end Brian Coulter has overcome what most would consider impossible odds. Family violence spiraled out of control in his childhood home, and one parent was killed, with the other being incarcerated. Coulter and his siblings were separated and forced into foster care. Then the harsh realities of Hurricane Katrina forced him out of the one positive foster care situation he found. Coulter didn't just survive, though -- he excelled. He worked hard and followed his dream of playing Division I football. Coulter went on to become a 1st team All-Region Junior College defensive end, before transferring to Missouri. But a foot injury caused him to tumble down the depth chart. Again, Coulter battled back, secured a starting role and became a dominant force on defense. With a maturity level that few of his teammates can match, Coulter never made excuses. His work ethic makes him a leader on the field and an inspiration to his teammates in the weight room and locker room. On campus, Coulter was the recipient of the Mizzou ROARS Courage Award, which is voted on by all the Missouri student athletes in recognition of outstanding courage and perseverance. In 2009, Coulter has had an outstanding season that has seen him register 39 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 quarterback sacks for the Tiger defense. He combined with teammate Aldon Smith to tackle Kansas QB Todd Reesing for a safety in the closing minutes of Mizzou's Nov. 28th game against rival Kansas which was a crucial play in MU's 41-39 comeback win.
0 Response to "Brian Coulter Named Finalist For 2009 Rudy Award"
Post a Comment