Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Lineman Awards

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Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards

 

 

The Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards are presented annually to the Maine high school football offensive and defensive linemen who epitomize the character, leadership, and perseverance of Frank J. Gaziano. After an outstanding high school, college, and professional football career, Mr. Gaziano became a successful businessman, community benefactor, and family man.

The recipients are outstanding scholar-athletes. They are selected based on strong leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. The trophy honors Mr. Gaziano's passion for sports and commitment to high school football in Maine. Using Mr. Gaziano’s own words; "I love athletics. Sports is the healthiest thing that can happen to us today."

The Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Scholarship Awards Committee is guided by the highest standards of athleticism, scholarship, and community service - values Mr. Gaziano promoted throughout his lifetime.

More information can be found at their website - www.gazianolinemanawards.com.

Criteria

Application Process - Evaluation Criteria & Process - List of Awards

List of Awards

Offensive:
•First Place - Trophy and $5000 Scholarship
•2 Runners Up - Trophies and $1000 Scholarships
•School - Rotating Bronze Trophy

Defensive:
•First Place - Trophy and $5000 Scholarship
•2 Runners Up - Trophies and $1000 Scholarships
•School - Rotating Bronze Trophy

All award recipients will receive a jacket.


Frank Gaziano

 

 

Gaziano, of Cape Elizabeth, was a well-known benefactor and businessman in the Portland area. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1941 and went on to a professional football career with the Washington Redskins and the Boston Yanks (which later became the Indianapolis Colts).

After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he joined Anheuser-Busch as a route salesman and quickly climbed the executive ladder. In 1960, Gaziano resigned from Anheuser-Busch and purchased National Distributors, Inc. Today the company employs 200 people, operates out of a 150,000 square-foot warehouse and has separate sales forces selling beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. This year, it is celebrating its 50th year in business.

Gaziano passed away at the age of 92 on January 16, 2010. During his lifetime, he gave back to his community in many ways including a $50,000 donation to support the construction of the Deering Oaks Bandstand; providing funds to the Portland Police Department to purchase a mobile, high-tech Intoxilyzer; and the establishment of several student scholarships. He also donated rings for the 1996 South Portland Football State Championship Team.

Gaziano is remembered by many in the community for his weekly sports trivia columns titled "I Bet You Didn't Know." He authored those columns for over 25 years. For more information, visit Gaziano's profile at www.nat-dist.com.

Award history

 

          
Year    Offensive Lineman School

   

Defensive Lineman School
2023   William Gale Falmouth   Jace Negley Leavitt
2022   Beau Mayo Leavitt   Zach Louvat Oxford Hills
2021   Thomas Horton Bonny Eagle   Casey Mills Cony
2019   David Gross Bucksport   Nathan Mars Scarborough
2018   Aidan McGlone Bonny Eagle   Thomas Palmer Thornton Academy
2017   Zachary Klein Bonny Eagle   Arlo Pike Bonny Eagle
2016   Nick Bartholomew Thornton Academy   Austin Lufkin Brewer
2015   Alec Clark Winslow   Frank Curran Cheverus
2014   Zach Davis Windham   Zordan Holman Cheverus
2013   Jedidiah Scott Sanford   Luke Washburn Oak Hill
2012   Bobby Begin Thornton Academy   Kurt Massey John Bapst
2011   Logan Mars Scarborough   Luke Libby Thornton Academy
2010   Matt Welch South Portland   Nate Martell Bonny Eagle