Troy University Athletics
Nate Nolin Up For Rudy Award
12/10/2009 3:00:00 PM | Football
TROY, Ala. - Troy University senior football player Nathan Nolin has been nominated for the Rudy Award, an award that gives the winner an academic scholarship in his honor to the university he attends. And, unlike many awards in college, YOU the FAN get to vote on the award by clicking the link above.
Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger founded The College Football Rudy Awards to honor Division I football players who brought that 'something extra' to the team.
Rudy wanted to find the most inspirational and motivational players in America who best defined what he refers to as "The Four C's": Courage, Contribution, Commitment and Character.
The College Football Rudy Awards were launched in 2007. During the first year, 26 coaches nominated the 'Rudy' on their team. The inaugural award was presented to Terry Clayton of the University of Kentucky. A senior linebacker, Clayton lost his hearing at the age of five. He persevered as a walk on for the Kentucky football team and twice was named to the Southeast Conference Academic Honor Roll.
In 2008 the number of nominees more than doubled to 53, resulting in outstanding nominations including finalists Drew Combs, Dan Cafaro, and Nik Harris who was recently drafted by the Buffalo Bills
Nominees will be chosen by our national selection committee consisting of such esteemed sports figures as June Junes and Chuck Knox. The selection process also incorporates a fan vote for supporters of the College Football Rudy Award.
The winner will have an academic scholarship awarded in his name to his university, and will be presented the College Football Rudy Award by Rudy Ruettiger at the Third Annual College Football Rudy Awards Ceremony on January 11, 2010 in Orlando, Florida at the Orlando World Center Marriott. The two Runners-up will each receive an academic scholarship awarded in their name to their respective universities and the Runner's Up Award.
Story on Nate Nolin
Nate came to Troy as a walk-on linebacker and over the last two years has played fullback while also playing on many special teams. During his career he has had injuries to virtually every body part, with surgeries on both knees, one shoulder and his back, not to mention three concussions. During one of his first practices at Troy, he suffered a crushed vertebrae and lacerated kidney, but still refused to leave practice. He is not a guy who would ever rack up big statistics, but just wants to get on the field and contribute any way he can. One of the highlights of the season this year was when he got a carry against FAU on Senior Day. Appropriately enough, that one carry, which gained nine yards, ended when he was tackled by the facemask.
Inspirational Story
When he first arrived at Troy, he was known around campus because of his affinity for animals, especially unusual ones. He has at different times had snakes, alligators and even a possum as pets. Later in his career, he became known more for his determination to fight through the numerous injuries he has sustained. He is one of the most positive people I have ever met and, despite all of the obstacles he has had to overcome, he has never been one to get down because of an injury. Teammates will all tell you that if they have a problem or are in trouble, Nate is the player they call for help. Despite his injuries, he has never missed a workout or practice in his five years in Troy and has never asked for or even allowed to get any attention for himself.
Student Activities
He is heavily involved in the Campus Outreach and is the leader of a rock band known as "Nasty Nate and the Funky Bunch" that includes teammates Bear Woods, Donnell Golden, Jacoby Thomas and Sam Sellers that often plays at campus events. He has also been involved with the local Habitat for Humanity and is a regular visitor to local schools. He is also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as well as the Pre-Law Society and Accounting Society.
Awards and Achievements
He will receive his undergraduate degree in Accounting in December and is preparing to take the LSAT (this weekend) and go to Law School next year. Was selected to attend the NCAA Leadership Conference. Has also been nominated for Who's Who Among American College Students.
Make sure to vote for Nathan Nolin for the Rudy Award by clicking here, or on the link above.
