FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 25, 2006

 

 

 

USA FOOTBALL-NATIONAL SPORTCASTERS & SPORTSWRITERS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZE

 

BOB SCHNEIDER AS STATE CHAMPIONS IN KENTUCKY

 

 

 

VIENNA, Va. – USA Football, a non-profit organization leading the development and growth of youth football, and the National Sportscasters & Sportswriters Association (NSSA) today announced that Bob Schneider has been selected as the Champions Award winner for the state of Kentucky.

 

The second-annual Champions Award recognizes the thousands of coaches, volunteers and administrators whose contributions enable millions of boys and girls to participate in the sport of football each year.

 

 

Newport Central Catholic High School football coach Bob Schneider has been a fixture in Kentucky high school football for more than 40 years. Schneider became the state's all-time winningest coach last season with 301 victories, and won the state title in 1984. His teams also qualified as state runner-up in 1985 and 1986 and again in 2000 and 2001.

 

"Having played the game at all levels and watched my sons and now my grandsons come through the ranks as well, I truly understand the value of these committed individuals and the role they have in a young person's life," said Jack Kemp, USA Football Chairman and former Buffalo Bills quarterback. "We are honored to recognize the efforts of Bob Schneider and have him as part of our football family.”

 

One winner was selected from each state, along with two Grand Champions (James Lynch of Cranston, R.I., and John Solomon of Brooklyn Center, Minn.), who were recognized during the NSSA Hall of Fame Weekend from April 29-May 1 in Salisbury, N.C. Both Grand Champion winners also received a $1,000 grant from USA Football for their respective youth program.

 

Lynch has devoted his entire adult life to helping, supporting and guiding young people through the sport of football. He began his coaching career in 1950 and coached at Cranston East and Cranston West High Schools for more than 30 years before retiring in 1983. During his tenure at Cranston West, he founded the city’s youth football program, where he coached for nearly 10 years. At age 83, Lynch is still going strong, volunteering as an assistant coach/equipment manager with the Portsmouth High School football program.

 

Solomon has been involved with youth football for nearly 25 years. In addition to volunteering many hours of his time on the athletic fields, his involvement with youth in the child welfare system has left a lasting impact in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Coach Solomon, who recently started his own non-profit youth organization, Dynamic Initiatives, was recognized as the 2005 NSSA-USA Football Champions Award winner for the state of Minnesota and continues to volunteer countless hours as a coach, administrator and mentor.

 

"The sport of football is thriving through the contributions, leadership and commitment of individuals like Bob Schneider," said Mitch Holthus, President of the NSSA National Board of Directors and voice of the Kansas City Chiefs. "The stories we received from across the nation and overseas military bases are truly remarkable.”

 

-USA FOOTBALL-

 

About USA Football

USA Football is a non-profit organization leading the development and growth of youth football. USA Football provides resources to help youth football organizations keep the sport fun, safe and accessible. USA Football was founded by the NFL and NFL Players Association in 2002 and offers in-depth youth football resources focusing on coaching education, league enhancement, officiating development, and health & safety awareness for administrators, coaches, officials and parents.

 

 

Nathan Boudreaux

 

Manager, Strategic Communications

 

USA Football

http://www.usafootball.com/

Congrats Bob. You earned it.