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TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2007
By DAVE PURPURA
JOHNSTOWN -- Every time he discusses one of his players, even before pointing to their on-field talents, Johnstown football coach and athletics director Mike Carter lauds their academic or personal attributes. Carter especially was glowing earlier this week discussing his star running back, Marcus Hendren, who was named a recipient of the Ernie Godfrey Scholar-Athlete Award at the 46th annual National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet on March 27 at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe.
"It makes you real proud of the kids who are trying real hard to become great citizens," Carter said. "These kids are developing great character. They're going to be the leaders of our society in the future." Hendren was one of three area winners of the Godfrey award, which is presented to one student-athlete from each of 13 central Ohio leagues. League officials decide respective winners.
Licking Heights senior James Ward was the Mid-State League-Cardinal Division winner.
Several college players, including Denison University receiver Mike Kushner, also were honored. Hendren, who has a 3.9 grade-point average, rushed for 2,869 yards and 35 touchdowns last fall to power Johnstown (9-3) to its second playoff appearance and first playoff victory.Hendren, The Advocate's Offensive Player of The Year, ended the season in ninth place on Ohio's all-time single-season rushing listHendren has limited his college choices to Capital, Mount Union and Cornell. He's been accepted to each school and is keeping in shape this spring by running track -- a decision made just days ago -- and playing midfielder for Johnstown's lacrosse team.
"I figure if I'm going to play football in college, I should get into shape and go hit some people (in lacrosse) beforehand," Hendren said.Ward, Heights' quarterback, was a first-team Central District selection in football and competes in basketball and track. Kushner, a senior from Washington, Pa., is a three-year starter and four-year letterwinner for the Big Red. He led all Denison receivers with 21 catches for 170 yards and one touchdown in 2006.
Former Ohio State linebacker Mike Vrabel, who has won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, earned the Ohio Gold award for years of service to the game. Other past Ohio Gold winners include Woody Hayes and longtime WTVN radio sports reporter Larry Larson.
