Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Alum George Young Honored at College Football Hall of Fame Dinner
12/18/2002 7:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 18, 2002
Story courtesy of National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Throughout the football season, records are broken, titles are won, and champions are made, but perhaps the most bountiful memories are supplied by the magnetic December dinner, which annually fills the Grand Ballroom of New York City's Waldorf-Astoria.
For the 45th consecutive year, over 1,500 of the game's most enthusiastic supporters gathered to witness this showcase and honor those who honor the game; dynamic business, military and community leaders; national scholar-athletes; and the heroes of the game with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. A homecoming for the football fraternity, this black-tie affair is graced with former and current coaches, Hall of Famers from yesteryear and generous supporters of the Foundation and its mission.
The Distinguished American Award was given posthumously to George B. Young, a 1952 Bucknell University graduate and former Little All-America football player for the Bison. His wife, Kathryn M.L. Reddington "Lovey" Young, accepted it on his behalf. Presented on special occasions when an outstanding candidate emerges, the award honors a person who over a long period of time has exhibited leadership and who has made significant contributions towards the betterment of amateur football in America.
George B. Young joined the New York Giants organization in 1979 and would become Senior Vice President and General Manager of the franchise, making a lasting impression on the Giants and the sport of football. Soon thereafter, he became Senior Vice President of Football Operations for the NFL and helped foster a strong relationship with The National Football Foundation of which he was a director. Over the years, Young's influence has been felt by many. He was inducted into the Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame in 1980.
At the Dinner several awards are presented: Gold Medal - the highest award the Foundation bestows, Distinguished American Award, 14 National Scholar-Athlete Awards, and the highlight of the evening - the induction of the Hall of Fame Class.
Responding on behalf of the 2002 Hall of Fame class, Dan Marino of Pittsburgh stated, "The most influential people in my life were the great coach Jackie Sherrill, but without a doubt the best coach I ever had in my life was my dad. That (pointing to father in crowd) is the best coach a football player could ever have. For the class of 2002, we want to thank you for the honor of being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. It is something we will cherish, we will wear our rings and we will honor our universities with pride."
Of the nearly $1 million that the Foundation awards annually, $325,000 is set aside during this grandeur event for scholar-athletes, who were awarded $18,000 postgraduate scholarships. Responding on behalf of the 2002 Scholar-Athlete class was Georgia offensive tackle, Jon Stinchcomb. "Obviously, there is no better sport or a more beautiful sport than football that illustrates what a team really means." said Stinchcomb. For us to be here today, we had to rely on many influential people in our lives. For us to be here today, it's a recognition of everyone who helped pave the path that we took to bring us to this point."
Also that evening, the winner of the HealthSouth Draddy Award, the highest academic award in the country presented to a senior football player, was revealed for the first time. Brandon Roberts of Washington University in St. Louis received the high honor, which carries a total scholarship of $25,000. In his acceptance speech Roberts stated, "It is such an honor to be here in the presence of such fine company, so many great athletic minds and so much athletic talent," said Roberts. "I want to thank the Foundation for embracing the football scholar-athlete and recognizing that the roles that we play at our universities and in our communities at large are significant."
One of the most well-balanced scholar-athletes in NCAA Division III history, Brandon Roberts has earned high honors in working towards a degree in Biomedical Engineering while establishing himself as one of the nation's elite linebackers. A two-time All-Conference performer, Roberts has over 330 career tackles.
George M. Steinbrenner, III received The Gold Medal, the highest award the Foundation bestows. Awarded annually to an individual who has demonstrated integrity, achieved success, and carried the basic values taught in amateur sport throughout his professional life. Past winners of this coveted award include seven U.S. Presidents and leaders of industry and the military.
A sports and entertainment pioneer, humanitarian and civic leader, George Steinbrenner's vision and dedication keep him at the top of his business and heavily involved in various worthwhile civic and community causes. A dynamic owner and entrepreneur of the New York Yankees, he has enjoyed the success of four World Series championships in seven years. Mr. Steinbrenner has also served as chairman of the Olympic Overview Commission, vice president of the United States Olympic Committee, and currently serves as Chairman of the U.S. Olympic Foundation.
The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit educational organization comprised of more than 11,000 members in 118 chapters nationwide, dedicated to the promotion of amateur football, scholarship, citizenship, and superior athletic performance. Through various programs and initiatives, such as Play It Smart and the NFL/NFF Coaching Academy, the Foundation endeavors to promote the positive values learned through participation in sport. The College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana serves as the shrine where those who exemplify the Foundation's ideal of excellence both on and off the field are immortalized.
