Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Announces 2010 “Honoring Legends-Inspiring Leaders” Event and Award Winners

Former NFL Quarterback Rich Gannon Set to Deliver Keynote Address

ST.PAUL, MN February 16, 2010–Local high school scholar athletes and award winners, along with members of the College Football Hall of Fame, will be honored at the 3^rd annual “Honoring Legends-Inspiring Leaders” event at 6:00 on Sunday, April 18, at the University of St. Thomas.  The event, hosted by the Minnesota chapter of the National Football Foundation, also provides tuition scholarships to high school seniors who excel on and off the playing field.

“Our 2010 event promises to be another great gathering of Minnesota football’s best,” said Sean Gothier, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

Former NFL Quarterback and 2002 NFL MVP Rich Gannon, will be the featured speaker.  Gannon played 12 seasons as quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins and Kansas City Chiefs.  In 2002, Gannon led the Oakland Raiders to their third straight AFC Western Division title and advanced to Super Bowl XXXVII as the AFC Champions.  Minnesota chapter member and WCCO TV anchor, Frank Vascellaro, will be the master of ceremonies.

The Minnesota Chapter will present the 2010 Distinguished Minnesotan Award to brothers Bob and Richard “Pinky” McNamara for their contributions to Minnesota football. Natives of Hastings, Minnesota, the brothers played football for the Golden Gophers in the 1950s and remained loyal supporters of the University of Minnesota and its football program long after their playing careers were over. They have spent years raising funds for the university, and their involvement was instrumental to the completion of TCF Bank Stadium. Bob McNamara served as one of the honorary captains for the inaugural game on September 12, 2009. Pinky McNamara served on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents from 2001‑2005, and his generous gifts helped fund the building of the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota campus.

John Lieser will be honored with the 2010 Outstanding Football Officiating Award. During his more than 45 years in the profession, Lieser has officiated high school football games, including sectional contests and state championships, and college football games in the North Central (NCC), Minnesota Intercollegiate (MIAC), and Northern Intercollegiate (NIC) Conferences. His career is further highlighted by 49 years officiating high school and intercollegiate basketball games and championships, and 45 years as the golf coach at Apollo High School (St. Cloud). In 2009, Lieser was enshrined in the Minnesota High School Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Jim Marshall is the 2010 recipient of the Fred Zamberletti Award. The award, named for the legendary athletic trainer for the Minnesota Vikings, honors an outstanding athletic trainer who has done extensive work in the state of Minnesota. He joined the University of Minnesota staff in 1961 under Lloyd “Snapper” Stein and served both the football and hockey teams until he was named Head Football Trainer in 1975. For 25 years he worked with the Gophers football program then eventually was named Administrative Services Coordinator of the Sports Medicine Department. Marshall’s 42-year career at the University of Minnesota spanned 8 university presidents, 8 head football coaches, 6 head men’s basketball coaches, 6 head men’s hockey coaches and well over 8000 student athletes from all the Gophers sports teams. In 1993 he was inducted into the Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame and is also a member of the University of Minnesota “M” Club Hall of Fame.

Eight young men will receive recognition as outstanding high school Scholar-Athletes. These Scholar-Athletes, as nominated by their football coaches, were evaluated on their academic achievement (3.0 GPA or better), football ability, performance, leadership, attitude, and service to their community. Remarkably, the average GPA among the finalists was 3.84. The 2010 honorees are Marshal Ash (Milaca HS), Dan Freund (St. Thomas Academy), Jacob McHenry (Henry Sibley HS), Gabe Mezzenga (Totino-Grace HS), Anthony Osifuye (Woodbury HS), Alexander Richelsen (Holy Family Catholic High School), Jason Schneider (Andover HS), and Kristopher Wensmann (Melrose Area HS).

This event is open to the public and tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here

About the Minnesota Chapter:

The mission of the Minnesota Chapter of the NFF is to serve Minnesota and the nation by developing leadership, sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and academic excellence in America’s youth through promoting amateur football. The Chapter aims to:

• Inspire excellence through Minnesota and College Football Hall of Fame player and coach role models
• Highlight the educational and character-building benefits of football through youth programs
• Honor, publicize, and financially support student-athlete football players

College Football Hall of Famer John Randle was selected for the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame

Congratulations to former Minnesota Viking John Randle for being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Randle was in a group of seven elite finalists who will be inducted into the 2010 class.  John completed his 14 year  NFL career with 137.5 sacks,  and was among the fiercest and dominating defensive linemen to ever play.  John is a member of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation and we appreciate the support he has given to our chapter.

Six College Hall of Fame Members are honored by the Minnesota Chapter

College Hall of Famers: Paul Wiggin, Jeff Siemon, John Gagliardi, John Randle, Randall McDaniel, and Jim Christopherson
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Coach Jim Malosky Sr. receives the 2009 Distinguished Minnesotan Award

Frank Vascellaro interviews Legendary Coach, Jim Malosky Sr.

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Eight Scholar Athletes receive their 2009 Awards

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Lefty Yurek receives Football Officiating Award

Lefty Yurek was the Winner of the Outstanding Football Officiating Award.  He was recognized for his 39 years of Officiating.

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Gary Smith receives the 2009 Fred Zamberletti Award

Fred Zamberletti and Gary Smith.  Gary Smith was the 2009 Recipient of the Fred Zamberletti Award

Click here to see all pictures from our 2009 Awards Dinner

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Autographed College Hall of Fame Helmet Winner Announced!

Bruce Locklear attended the 2009 “Honoring Legends, Inspiring Leaders” Awards Dinner, signed up for a three year membership and won the College Hall of Fame Helmet.  The helmet was signed by six College Hall of Fame players and coaches in attendace that night.  They include, Randall McDaniel, Paul Wiggin, John Randle, Jeff Siemon, Coach Jim Christopherson, and Coach John Gagliardi.  Thanks Bruce for your membership and support.

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Our 2009 Event Sold out.  Over 225 people attended, honoring 6 College Hall of Fame Members and 11 Award Winners.

There is no prerequisite football experience required to become a member of the Minnesota Chapter. In fact, many of our members never even played organized football. Our membership base includes nearly every profession, race, religion, and creed. Our members are: men and women, fans, parents, players, coaches, referees, and administrators. They work as: educators, business people, doctors, lawyers, sales people, laborers, policeman, firefighters, politicians, engineers, etc. Our members share one common bond: their love for amateur football.

As a member of the Minnesota Chapter, you will support our local efforts and ensure that future high school and college football student-athletes continue to receive recognition for their hard work and leadership on the field, in the classroom and within their community. Our chapter will also recognize Minnesota Football Legends and Leaders. We will be the voice for our local College Hall of Fame Candidates.

We would like to welcome some of our newest members: Bob Stein, Darrell Thompson, Tim Brewster, Mike Grant, Jeff Siemon, John Alt, Bob McNamara, and Ray Hitchcock, and many more.  Join our Team!

Click here and print the membership form

The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced the names of  those who comprise the 2008 FOOTBALL BOWL SUBDIVISION COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS.  Former Minnesota Viking, Randall McDaniel is a part of this class.  Congratulations to Randall from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation!  Randall is also a member of the Minnesota Chapter.

RANDALL McDANIEL

Arizona State University
Offensive Guard, 1984-87
A four-year starter and born leader at Arizona State, Randall McDaniel created an unparalleled collegiate and professional record that few can match.

Twice named a First Team All-America (1986, ’87-consensus), McDaniel led the Sun Devils to three bowl berths during his career, including ASU’s first-ever trip to the Rose Bowl in 1987. The native Arizonan was a two-time First Team All-Conference pick, earning the Morris Trophy as the Pac-10’s best offensive lineman and leading Arizona State to a conference title in 1986. He started 39 consecutive games for the Sun Devils after moving from tight end.

McDaniels was selected in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft by Minnesota. He played 15 seasons in the league with the Vikings and Tampa Bay and secured 12 trips to the Pro Bowl. Named NFL/True Value Man of the Year for his charity work in 1996, he is a current nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Active in the community, McDaniels created and facilitated “Hands On,” an after school program for disadvantaged children. He additionally developed the R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out to Challenge Kids) Foundation.  He currently leads Team McDaniel which serves as an umbrella organization for community initiatives.  A member of ASU’s All-Century Team, he resides in Shorewood, Minn.